Ella Drake, dark paranormal romance

The future of Rapunzel, floating towers and braided silk

2011-11-22T09:03:00.001-05:00

Braided Silk has released from Liquid Silver Books! This novella features a future of urban sprawl, pollution, bio-tech, and an out-of-control mad scientist. But it's also a story of self, finding what it means to be human, and love. Between primal attraction and expectations, love can get lost, but Zel and Langley struggle to find and keep that bond between them.

My second Future Tale, Braided Silk is another twisted fairytale in the futuristic setting of New Castle. Read an excerpt on my website, or check it out at Liquid Silver Books.

Braided Silk

Futuristic Romance/Twisted Fairytale/Biopunk -- Novella
Rapunzel was made with technologically advanced hair. As a trained Mother agent, Zel can't escape the DNA that makes her a pawn in corporate espionage. Kidnapped and held in a tower on Gothel Island, she falls to the sexual allure of her captor’s son, Langley, a man whose every tantalizing touch makes her forget she wasn’t born human.

Langley Gothel protests the existence of creations such as Zel, but when faced with losing her, he sees the truth: Life is precious, whether born, modified, or shaped in a Petri dish. He does the one thing he's thought he'd never do. He has to give up Zel, or become a mod. But will that be enough to get them down from the floating islands and safely to ground?

From Liquid Silver Books

Also available from
All Romance eBooks -- Amazon / Kindle

The first Future Tale, Jaq's Harp, is on sale for $1.99 through the month of November. If you haven't read it, not to worry, both novellas are stand-alone, but if you want more of the world of floating islands and futuristic fairytales, now's the time to check it out.

If you'd like a copy of Braided Silk, leave a comment! I'll pick a random commenter to win an ebook copy. Contest closes December 1st. Winner announced on the 2nd.

Contemporaries for the Spec Fic Romance reader

2011-11-09T12:53:00.001-05:00

So you want to read a contemporary...

If you're like me, you read paranormal or science fiction/fantasy romance almost exclusively. But if you're also like me, there are times when the mood for a contemporary strikes. Recently on twitter, I butted in on a conversation between @moirarogersbree and @sknighteditor about this topic and ended up buying Below the Belt by Sarah Mayberry for my Nook Color reading pleasure. This was an easy choice for me to make, since her Anything for You (Harlequin Blaze) is one of the few contemporaries on my keeper shelf.

As I read this book and quite enjoyed it, I wondered what appealed to me as a SF Romance reader and writer. This was also intriguing to me because in addition, I don't enjoy boxing (both the hero and heroine are boxers). It's the world-building, of course! Mayberry does an exceptional job of creating a world, even if it's a "real world" contemporary. She's done her research. I felt as if I could understand boxing, the business and the personalities. I didn't get lost, there weren't too many details, just the right amount.

But that's not all. There's the obvious romantic tension, but there's also action. There are elements of physical danger. And suspense. How in the world could they make all this work?

Top all that off with a heroine who knows her business, she trains hard and well, she'd unapologetic about her sexual needs--yes! Completely unapologetic! And she doesn't change for the hero. He loves her as she is, and she doesn't get weak just because she falls in love.

So, if you're in the mood for some contemporary amid your paranormals and scifis, this is a great one.

Have any recs for contemporaries for the speculative romance reader?

MiniReview: Water Mark by Kathleen Scott

2011-10-11T10:30:00.000-04:00

Looking for political intrigue, romantic tension, and world-at-stake adventure? You'll find it in Kathleen Scott's Water Mark, a Science Fiction Romance with reunited lovers and cross-dimensional travel.

Winners for SFR Birthday Bash!

2011-07-25T13:31:00.002-04:00

Using random.org, I've picked the winners and have emailed them.
Thanks, everyone. You helped make my birthday special!

SFR party at Ella's!

2011-07-17T10:16:00.001-04:00

It's my birthday, and in keeping with a tradition that's ... oh, about one year old, I'm doing a giveaway! A few giveaways!! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment with your email address, or if you don't want to leave your email address in the comments, go to my contact page and use the "send a note to Ella" form.
Since it's my party & I just spent the past few days at Readercon, a SF/F convention, I'm doing a Science Fiction Romance (SFR)theme. Because I can. And it's my party!

Here are the giveaways:
1. A rare paperback edition of my Silver Bound, a hot space western romance from Carina Press. A hard cover edition of Sherrilyn Kenyon's Born of Shadows, fourth in her SFR The League series. A Samhain gift certificate for $5.50 off next purchase at Samhain store. A pack of Jaq's Harp bio-tech beans and Romance Trading Cards!
(for US Residents only. Sorry about that, readers outside the US, but shipping is going up and up. See #3 below).
2. Four winners will receive a Samhain gift certificate for $5.50 off next purchase at Samhain store. And Romance Trading Cards for Silver Bound and my Prism finalist Firestorm on E'Terra. (This is for US and Canadian residents)
3. An ebook bundle of my Science Fiction Romance titles: Firestorm on E'Terra, Jaq's Harp and Silver Bound. (open to entries from anywhere! All you need is an email address and a way to read ebooks.)

That's it! Happy Birthday!!
Once again, to enter, just leave a comment. If you require shipping outside of the US, just let me know so I can enter you in correct contests. Winners will be chosen by Random.org and giveaway ends July 24, 11:59pm EST.

_____________________

Quick sneak peak at next giveaway. My next release is a Science Fiction Romance, Braided Silk (Future Tales #2). For a chance to win a copy, sign up for my notification list. Every release day I send an email and pick a subscriber to win an ebook copy of the book.

MetalMark -- Six Sentences #7

2011-05-29T07:37:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since my last six! I thought I'd post more from MetalMark:

***

One by one, he tongued and lapped, cleaned the juice from her fingers. Unfocused until now, he’d experienced the endless want, the itch he couldn’t scratch, once a month, but he’d never known this depth of desire before. Her essence, salty mixed with the berries, gave him a hunger for more. Jazz slid closer to him, her breathing hot and heavy on his neck as he leaned forward, intent on the blue smudges on her breasts.

His lips touched between her breasts and small bumps rose on her skin, rough against the long lick he made around and around the stain.

Her hands clutched him tight against her, and the ache of his loins, heavy and wanting for days, brought a rumble from his chest

***

Be sure to visit other Six Sentence Sunday participants!

MetalMark -- Six Sentences #6

2011-04-17T08:23:00.000-04:00

This is the first kiss in MetalMark, Science Fiction Romance manuscript I'm revising.

***

“Beautiful,” he whispered, an eternity later as his lips rested a heartbeat away from hers.

She rubbed her mouth back and forth across his, light as gossamer, the tickling sensation gripping his throat and sending small bumps over his skin.

God’s Stone!

He’d never known his first kiss would travel over his entire body, that the touch of one point could make him shudder all over.

Reluctant, he pulled back, not daring to take more from her so soon in their courtship.

Jazz caught at the back of his head and halted his retreat.

***

Be sure to visit other Six Sentence Sunday participants!

Want beans?

2011-04-05T15:03:00.000-04:00

If you'd like your own bio-tech beans^*, featured in Jaq's Harp, just drop by my giveaway to get them in the mail. Plus, three Romance Trading Cards!

More details on my Giveaway page!

* bio-tech beans are otherwise known as jelly beans.

MetalMark -- Six Sentences #5

2011-03-27T07:50:00.003-04:00

The rough, first draft of MetalMark is done. I've moved on to revising, which for me is sometimes fairly in-depth and requires major heavy lifting. The first thing I did was add a new opening chapter. I decided to post my first six sentences today. Then, when I looked at them, ready to publish, I realized I didn't like them as the first sentences. They weren't enough to bring the reader in. So, a little rearranging and these are the latest opening lines. Let me know, would you keep reading?

***

Time to get this over with.

Sitting at his desk and ignoring the sick feeling in his gut, he started the signalcast device that was of yet, still unfamiliar to him.

“Prince Lye,” the disemboweled voice answered immediately. Someone always did, though he knew they didn’t sit by their communications device anxiously awaiting his decision. “Do we have an agreement?”

“My blood samples in exchange for a seat in the Syndicate.”

Edited to Add: Thanks for the catches on "disemboweled". Yes, it should be disembodied. You guys rock! Editors rock. They keep us from doing these sorts of things in public. I'm sure I was caught in the "sick feeling in his gut" imagery & made that mixup. Thanks again & I'm leaving it as is since that's how I posted it!

***

Be sure to visit other Six Sentence Sunday participants!

MetalMark -- Six Sentences #4

2011-03-20T07:28:00.000-04:00

This week, I thought I'd give a glimpse from the POV of the heroine's best friend, Shifty. She's been so much fun to write that I'm as concerned for her happy ending as I am for the heroine's.

She hurried away as fast as she could on her blasted legs—short and not shapely enough to make up for it. Not like Tami, whose body was damn perfect. She’d do her, and she wasn’t even a man.

She concentrated on keeping her face still, the tears at bay, until she got to her lab behind the closed door. She slid to the floor and covered her face, unable to keep the sobs from ripping from her chest.

This abstinence shit was hard.

***

Be sure to visit other Six Sentence Sunday participants!

MetalMark -- Six Sentences #3

2011-03-13T07:23:00.000-04:00

Last week, we left off with the heroine's first glimpse of the hero. Here's the hero's POV from MetalMark, my SF Romance, lust in space, work in progress:

The red witch with the tantalizing scent drew up straight, and Lye sensed her recognition of him at that precise moment. Like the fields of sage growing on the Mountain of Solace, the heady aroma of her arousal grew thick and his shaft tightened. Again.

He’d never experienced this heightened awareness for a mate. He nearly snorted in derision at himself. Of course he hadn’t experienced it, or even now he’d have a partner.

***

Be sure to visit other Six Sentence Sunday participants!

Romance Trading Cards

2011-03-08T17:36:00.000-05:00

These are designs for my first two Romance Trading Cards! I'll be handing these out at the RWA National Conference in New York and I'm making arrangements to send them to the RT Book Lovers Convention. Check out the RTC website for more on other authors who will have cards.
I'll share more when they're ready!

MetalMark -- Six Sentences #2

2011-03-06T06:00:00.042-05:00

Last week, we left off with...

...the prince asked, "Red?"

Her hand shot to her hair before she could stop it. Used to the mane that fell midback, she hadn’t considered the impact it would have on a Brutusian. The entire race had black hair and green eyes until they attained the status of elder when both turned silver. Since the infestation of the biomechanical MetalMark, the turned citizenry shaved or cut short their hair to leave the back of the neck bare.

Bright auburn hair, free and long, had to be a sight this prince had never seen before.

***

Be sure to visit other Six Sentence Sunday participants!

Six Sentences from MetalMark

2011-02-27T06:00:00.008-05:00

This is from my current work in progress, MetalMark, a lady space pirate story that I'm so in love with! (It's also a prequel to Silver Bound).

This is the first meeting of gal pirate and the prince:

Hand on sabre grip, Jazz shot to her feet and rounded on the newcomer.
     The sight shocked her speechless.
     A tall young man, skinny and pale in a voluminous purple robe seemed to float in the middle of the room. Partially covered by a lock of shiny black hair, his deep, green eyes grew wide. His fragile appeal broadsided her, and she took a step back.
     With a tilt of his head toward Carner, who’d come around to stand near her, the prince asked, “Red?”

***

This is the one year anniversary of Six Sentence Sunday. Yay! There are prizes to be had, to celebrate, be sure to visit the Six Sentence Sunday homepage!

epub files downloading as zip files

2011-02-22T17:22:00.003-05:00

Recently I added epub versions of my free reads to my website (here). I did due diligence, or so I thought. I created the files and tested them. I added them to the page as downloads, uploaded, and then tested the downloads again. Usually I would do all this testing in all browsers, but since this was a simple click to download, I didn't (shame on me). Everything worked fine in Firefox for me, but today I was contacted by someone who ran into a problem.

When my website visitor tried to download the .epub version in Internet Explorer, it tried to save it as a .zip file. I did some research and thought I'd share how I fixed it, in case you are like me and would like to post .epub digital books on your website--and in case you run into this problem.

The basic issue is that the web server doesn't know what an .epub file is. You need to tell it to treat it in a certain way. On your server, there is likely a .htaccess file in the root directory of your website. If not, you can create one. It just needs to be a text file named ".htaccess"

In that file, you need these two lines:

AddHandler application/epub+zip .epub
AddType application/epub+zip .epub

I'd also recommend changing your link to your .epub file to include a type. Here's my code as an example:

That's it! If you have this problem & this doesn't work, leave a comment, and I'll see if I can help.

Release Day for Jaq's Harp!

2011-02-21T08:42:00.000-05:00

So happy to announce this!!!

Jaq’s Harp

Now available!

Futuristic Romance/Twisted Fairytale/Biopunk -- Short (ebook)
In a world of floating islands and bio-engineered beans, the bad guys are taken down by agents of the Mother organization—agents like Jacqueline “Jaq” Robinson. Instead of accepting her next routine assignment, she sets out on a mission of her own—to destroy Giant Corp, the company responsible for her sister’s wasting illness. Jaq must steal her cure from Giant’s headquarters high above the city…even though she’ll be brought face-to-face with Harper English, the man who left her to go deep undercover at Giant.

For Harp, Jaq had been a distraction the mercenary thought he couldn’t afford. But once he sees her again, Harp knows he’s made a mistake. Even though she vowed he won’t have her again, it’s clear they still have a powerful attraction. Harp’s determined to get a second chance with Jaq—if they can escape Giant Corp and get back to solid ground in one piece…

Available from Carina Press

To read the entire first chapter, check it out on Kobo.And then if you're here for part of Excerpt Monday & would like, please leave a comment!

Links to other Excerpt Monday writers
Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.
As always, our hostesses Bria Quinlan (PG13), Alexia Reed (R), Rachel Jameson (PG13) and Kendal Corbitt (R) thank you for stopping by!

One more peek of Jaq's Harp

2011-02-20T06:35:00.002-05:00

From Jaq's Harp, novella coming Feb 21st from Carina Press. This is a snippet from when our intrepid heroine, Jaq, is climbing the beanstalk:

Eyes closed against the dizzying sway of the vine, she took deep breaths. She could do this. She had to.

Her hands started to sweat. She held on tighter as a chill worked under her jacket. Behind her, a low churning sound grew louder.

***

Be sure to visit other Six Sentence Sunday participants!

***

Text Copyright © 2011 by Ella Drake
Cover Art Copyright © 2011 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. Cover art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.

Upcoming Jaq's Harp Schedule

2011-02-18T11:33:00.001-05:00

Jaq's Harp releases on Monday, Feb 21st (I'm trying my best not to run around screaming in panic). In celebration, I'm visiting around the blogosphere and giving away copies to random commenters as I go. So, here's the scoop:
Today, I'm at Sandra Sookoo's Author Folk Friday and at my usual bi-weekly spot at Contact--Infinite Futures discussing Science Fiction and Details.
Upcoming:
20th, Six Sentence Sunday, here at my own blog with another sneak peek at Jaq's Harp
21st, Release Day!
22nd, Carina Press Blog (giveaway)
22nd, Manic Readers Blog (giveaway)
22nd, Contact--Infinite Futures (giveaway)
23rd, Quirky Ladies (giveaway)
And I'll also be at the The Biopunk Reader. More on that soon!

Six Sentence Sunday - Jaq's Harp

2011-02-13T06:00:00.038-05:00

From Jaq's Harp:

The familiar need to keep her safe pissed him off again. Close enough to touch, he didn’t. He put a hand on each side of her and leaned toward her until their exhales mixed, combined, caressed. Her scent, clean and rich, green, overwhelmed him and brought it all back, the feel of her in his arms, the wholeness of being with her.

She panted.

Good.

Thought I'd go with the general theme from last week of breathing. This is from Jaq's Harp, novella coming Feb 21st from Carina Press.

Be sure to visit other Six Sentence Sunday participants!

***

Fixing Covers on the NookColor

2011-02-11T18:04:00.001-05:00

I received the lovely gift of a NookColor for Christmas & yay, happy day! Now I'm ready to move my ebook library onto the device. But, there's a problem. When I sideloaded my previously purchased, non-DRMed books onto my NookColor, some of them didn't show up with a cover.

Off I went to research what to do. I tried a bunch of tricks. I followed several threads on how to fix the epub files. What has finally worked for me turns out to be rather easy.

This is what works for me:
1. Open Calibre. I use this to manage my ebooks and to load any and all ebooks not purchased from B&N onto the NookColor. Using it with the NookColor is as easy as plugging in the USB cord.
2. Find the book that doesn't have a cover. (If you downloaded the ebook directly to your NookColor, then select "Device" at the top to view the ebooks on the NookColor. Then right click book & select "Add Books To Library". Then go back to the "Library"--icon at top)
3. Right Click on the ebook and select "Edit Metadata" then "Edit Individually"
4. Find a copy of the cover online (perhaps from the ebook store where you purchased it).
5. Drag and drop the cover from your browser or file manager into the "Book Cover" area in the "Edit Meta Information" window.
6. Fix any other metadata info while there then select "okay"

[edited to add: To ensure the rest of this works, I've found that you might need to add a step here. Right click on book, select convert book individually, select EPUB in top right corner as output format EVEN IF you're already working from an epub file. This will recreate the epub file correctly with the new cover]

7. Right click on title, select "Send to Device" and "Send to Main Memory". (or "Send specific format" if necessary. Choose epub!)
8. The ebook will either replace the one already there or copy a second ebook. If that happens, go to "Device" and delete the older ebook (right click, remove).

When creating the new cover, Calibre creates the metadata with the new cover and viola! It works on the NookColor.

This may sound like a lot of steps, but if you're like me & can't stand not having covers, it's worth it. Once you get the hang of it, it's fast and easy. And it works every time, so no more frustration.

Themes

2011-02-11T10:12:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking a bit about themes and branding for a variety of reasons. And mulling this over, looking at my published work as well as those in progress, I've realized something. I tend to write characters who have issues of control.

In Silver Bound, Jewel loses control over her own memories, her thoughts, her body. In Scent of Cin, Cin also loses control over her body when she's killed then brought back to life by a nephilim , who ends up owning a piece of her as a result. In Wolf-Bitten, Alaya ends up getting herself mated to a werewolf whether she wanted it, or not. (Or, maybe she did.) In The Forbidden Chamber, Isabel's passion is controlled by a curse. (Or is it?)

In every single one of these stories, the heroines learn to understand what's controlling them and finds a way to take back that control. They're all fighters.

I'm working on a story set in the same universe as Silver Bound, where you'll be happy to know that the hero gets a dose of control-loss.

This concept of loss of control of your own body's reactions is a disturbing one that gets to the heart of how many women must feel at one point or another. In some way, writing the fictional heroine who finds how to take back control is a theme I'm finding may to with frequency.

I'm sure I'll be exploring this theme again!

If you write SFR, pay attention!

2011-02-08T20:13:00.001-05:00

From Heather at Galaxy Express: "Lois McMaster Bujold recently posted her introduction to DAW’s LOVE AND ROCKETS anthology (*waves to Mike B. who tipped me off*). Since she always writes/speaks about blends of science fiction and romance with such eloquence, my post today will serve as a gateway for her incredibly insightful comments."

I read & loved this intro by Lois McMaster Bujold. Can't recommend it highly enough. Go forth & read!
Seriously. Like, now.

...are you done, yet?

Six Sentence Sunday

2011-02-06T07:16:00.000-05:00

Joining in the Six Sentence Sunday fun with six lines from Silver Bound!

She forced her lips into a smile, and he moved again, silencing the flutters. He stepped between her bound, outstretched legs and bent over her. The rest of the room, everything, faded away, and all she saw, all she felt, all she breathed, came from him.

“Jewel,” he whispered, his mouth against hers before he licked her shivering lips.

She moaned with the exquisite pleasure. His soft, luxurious clothes rubbed against her instantly aroused body, sensitive and aware of his every movement.

(Silver Bound will be available for free from Carina Press on Wed. February 9th only)

Be sure to visit other Six Sentence Sunday participants!

Breaking Tropes

2011-02-04T11:43:00.002-05:00

The trope. I happen to both love them and roll my eyes at them.

What is a trope? In some ways, they are cliches, or in the case of Romance, they can be a type of situation we see in many stories. For instance, I love the friends-to-lovers trope. There's the secret baby trope. There's the Gothic heroine trapped in a creepy castle/mansion trope (The Forbidden Chamber). There's all sorts. Some of us will go out of our way to buy books with a particular one. I know I love the arranged marriage trope in historical romance. Something about a couple being stuck together and then falling in love really does it for me. But I know some readers can't stand that one and some say it's overdone. But there's something about the familiarity of knowing the type of story you're getting into. Like your favorite music, or your favorite pair of fuzzy socks, it's comfortable knowing what to expect.

In the case of my writing, I do tend to like twisting or breaking tropes, both in honoring them and in maybe poking a little fun at them. I think it's possible to do both.

One big example of this is Silver Bound, where I both go with the trope of futuristic love slave (there's a fairly large subgenre of these stories in erotic Sci-Fi Romance) and break that trope. Delving into the expected while staying within theme, allowed me to explore different sides of creating a story.

My upcoming release, Jaq's Harp, also tackles tropes and twists them. I've taken the Jack and the Beanstalk story and flipped it, created an alternate futuristic world of fairy tales, and ran with it. There are further tropes within the story that I addressed and I hope you read it and have as much fun finding them as I did writing them. The biggest one being, flipping the action hero saving the heroine standard.
I also liked tackling the ideas of danger and sex, the ethical questions of Jack stealing from the Giant, and magical beans. They're all in there... but slightly twisted.

What are your favorite tropes? Or, have you read a story that breaks them and pulled you right along a reader?

Date Movies

2011-01-28T09:20:00.000-05:00

Last night, my husband and I watched the movie Knight and Day. Though it hasn't had great reviews (click on the movie poster to see reviews at Rotten Tomatoes), this was a great "date movie". Both my husband and I thought it was fun, despite a few obvious flaws. There was action, just enough romance for me and not too much for him.

There aren't many movies out there that really do the trick. We both enjoy action movies, so those movies are the usual go-tos when we watch the rare movie together, but when the movies don't add some humor, it's harder to overlook the flaws or things that don't fit with the plot. The thing about Knight and Day was that there was an edge of parody that made it fun while keeping the action moving forward. Taking a step back, it seemed to both make fun of action movies with impossibly-talented god-like spies, while celebrating them at the same time.

Parody is a difficult thing to get right. It doesn't always work. Take for instance, one of our other favorite date movies, Galaxy Quest. We both enjoy that movie (once again, only a bit of romance, which fits for both of us). I think they got it right, but some critics didn't get that film when it came out.

So, tell me, what are good date movies? Give me ideas of movies with action, a bit of romance, with good comedic timing, and maybe some parody. Sounds like a tall order, but I think the perfect date night movies are.

Welcome Stacey Kennedy

2011-01-26T00:09:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Big thanks to Ella for letting me stop by and share my new release with you all. My novels are light-hearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again.

My journey as a writer began as a way to keep my brain alive since being a stay at home mom can be a little let’s say numbing. It was an escape from screaming kids, dirty diapers and plain old mom duty.

It started as a hobby, but as the stories progressed it became a passion. Now, I indulge at nap time, especially the juicy bits! Every mom needs a good thrill!

FIRST AND LAST

The Magical Sword ~ Book Four

Liquid Silver Books ~ January 24, 2011

One woman, one bond, one final battle … can even Nexi Jones defeat the deepest darkness of evil?

Meet Nexi Jones—Witch, Guardian and now, Lady of the Underworld. Embracing her new role, Nexi begins the task of changing a world led by darkness. But not everyone is happy to see her rise to power. Before long, a resistance within the Underworld is forming.

As the darkness begins to close in around her, Nexi’s magical abilities flourish in response—forcing Nexi to dig down deeper into her past to discover this source and why she was gifted with such incredible strength.

With her Guardian, Kyden by her side, Nexi will meet her greatest challenge yet as she begins to discover that fate might have been a bitch, but she was a bitch with a plan.

Thanks to Stacey for visiting today. To read an excerpt of First and Last, keep reading past the fold!

--Ella

Excerpt:

CHAPTER ONE

Nothing could have prepared me for what faced me now–nothing at all.
Magnus, my destined mate, was dead, by my own hand. Since Magnus and I had completed the bonding ceremony, the role of Ruler over the Underworld had now landed in my lap.
Oh yes, it’s unbelievable. I’m now the Lady of the Underworld. Coming to terms with such insanity, my body reciprocated with full out laughter.
No one said a word. The demons, witches, and warlocks that filled the room all studied me. Some of them laughed a couple times. Others just looked royally pissed.
“Ahh…” I finally managed after my laughter ceased and my breath returned. “Wow, that’s funny.”
Kyden brushed the hair back from my face, his touch gentle and loving. I glanced up and saw my hunky Guardian–his typically strong features soft with relief and dazzling green eyes more than amused by my fit. As his gaze held strong with mine, the memory of all that had taken place hit quickly. For the first time since this whole bizarre situation started, all the emotions I should have felt slammed into me, and my breath caught in my throat.
You see, while Magnus was here and our bond held strong, all I could feel was anger, and my love for Kyden had vanished. Now that Magnus’ hold was gone, it took all of a second before those tears of laughter became ones of sadness.
I let out a scream that echoed the pain in my heart and did nothing to hold back the tears that began to fall.
Misa rushed forward, grasped my arm tight. “My Lady, are you all right?” Her all-American girl look was troubled indeed, but don’t be fooled–she’s a demon.
Kyden gathered me up into his arms as I sobbed heavier than I had in my entire life. Sobbed that I almost lost him and everything that mattered, but mainly because I’d betrayed him. Not only had I slept with Magnus in the dreaming, but Kyden had seen me want him. Had seen me kiss him and witnessed my undying love for Magnus.
I couldn’t even look him in the eye.
Zia, Master of Witches and one of the four master supernaturals who governed the Otherworld, knelt down beside me. Her long strawberry blond locks brushed against my arm. “You have nothing to be shameful of, Nexi. A soul bond is not one by choice.” She gave a firm look that I’d expect to see from someone who was as close to me as a mother. “Do I need to slap you to make you see reason?” She made it a habit to smack some sense into me if I couldn’t see it–regularly.
I glanced up at her, momentarily eased by the distraction of receiving a blow from her. “No, that won’t be necessary.”
Kyden let out a long deep breath, which I only heard, since I refused to look at him. How could I? After all that happened, how could he still love me? He stood with me in his arms, said nothing to the others and quickly left the auditorium.
When he reached a large Maple tree, he sat beneath it, cradled me in his arms, and took my chin in his hand to force my gaze to his. “We’re going to sort this out now. I won’t have you feeling shame or guilt. So, tell me, Álainn, what troubles you?”
Álainn, Gaelic for beautiful–normally hearing him use the pet name he gave to me sent waves of love straight to my soul, but now all I felt was empty. “I slept with him. We were bonded. Oh my God, Kyden, I’ve betrayed you.”
His grip on my chin tightened, his eyes bore into mine with such intensity it captured my already shallow breath. “You think I give a fuck about Magnus and his attempt to lure you?”
“How can you not?” My voice squeaked, tears streamed down my cheeks. “How can you forgive me?”
He brushed his fingers along my cheek to wipe away the tears. “There’s nothing to forgive you for.” His voice gentle and so unlike Kyden. “I don’t doubt for a moment where your heart lies. Besides, he took you in the dreaming–it wasn’t flesh on flesh. And what happened in there,” he nodded back to the auditorium, “is to be expected. His bond had taken you. The fact that you had the ability to deny it and destroy Magnus in life itself is enough. But I know you. The real you–the Nexi Jones that stole my heart would never have considered another.”
“But…I…”
He put his finger on my lips to quiet my words. “No. I told you, there’s nothing that needs to be forgiven.” He sighed again, even deeper. “All that matters is that I still have you.”
Tears still streamed down my face as I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him as tight as I could. “I love you, Kyden.”
“As I do you,” he whispered against my ear.
We stayed that way for a while, just holding onto each other. Sure, my heart still felt heavy, but something else filled my thoughts. I backed away to meet his gaze. “You almost died.” I could barely even say the words, unable to think of what could have been.
“But I didn’t.” His gaze was unwavering. “This is the last conversation you and I will have on this subject. We have been granted the right to be together again and we won’t waste it. We won’t worry about what has happened or took place, only focus on each other and our future. Am I understood?”
I nodded, understood his words perfectly and sank against his chest as he wrapped me in his strong protective hold. This was the last time we would ever talk of Magnus, and what took place, because he didn’t matter–what happened didn’t matter. All that mattered was us, our love and life–no matter how strange it was about to become.
We stayed like that for a while, hugging each other, never letting go. Never again would we be apart and I relished in the love I felt in his embrace.
After my tears finished, Kyden leaned back and smiled down at me. “We need to get back. You have a world to rule.”
His gaze was amused. It was a great restraint on his part that he wasn’t doing a serious belly laugh. I gave his arm a good smack. “It’s not funny. This is insane. What are they thinking? I can’t rule them.”
He stood with me still in his arms, then placed me on my feet, took my hand and squeezed it tight. “It’s a peculiar situation for sure, but one you can’t deny. So, best we just go face this and see what they want from you.”
“Just when I think I can’t take anymore, life only seems to get harder. You know, I’m thinking your whole idea about leaving the Otherworld doesn’t sound all that bad right now.”
He cupped my cheek, ran his thumb over my bottom lip. “I’m afraid, Álainn, that isn’t a choice anymore. Don’t worry, I’ll be with you. We’ll get through this together.”
I leaned into his hand and smiled. At least, I had that. He would be beside me through anything. With him, I had everything.
Hand in hand, he led me back toward the auditorium. When I entered, everyone stood and bowed. I snorted, thoroughly annoyed. “Oh, please.”
Kyden chuckled.
“Are you okay?” Zia inquired.
I loved the telepathic communication we shared as Spirit Witches, especially in times like these, when others didn’t need to hear.
“Better. But what the hell, is this for real? Do they really think I’m going to lead them?”
Her smile was more than amused, it bordered on hilarity. “I’m not sure what they expect of you, but it seems as though Azar and Misa must have a plan since they assisted you against Magnus. Be kind to them, Nexi. They gave you a great gift by helping you.”
“I know you’re right, but Zia, I can’t do this. I. Don’t. Want. To. Do. This.”
“There are steps for you to appoint a new leader, but right now, we need to learn more of this world. You cannot appoint someone who you know nothing about. Think of the consequences. Let’s just take this one step at a time, all right?”
Just then, Misa approached me and bowed. “My Lady…”
“Nexi,” I interjected before she continued. “My name is Nexi.”
“Okay then.” She smiled. “Lady Nexi.”
“No, drop the Lady, just plain old Nexi.”
Misa looked around completely confused. “You’re asking me to call you only Nexi?”
“That’s right.” I glanced around the room to all the Underworld creatures. “All of you. My name is Nexi. That’s it! Got it?” Everyone in the room exchanged a confused glance. The sight of it made me laugh. “And none of this bowing stuff. It’s quite ridiculous.” Their befuddled expressions shifted to complete bewilderment. I had the real feeling that I was asking for the impossible.
To hell with it, I had other matters to attend to. My gaze fell upon Azar. A warlock who looked just as one would expect–scruffy with long white hair and dark eyes that exuded power.
I released Kyden’s hand and stepped toward him. As I reached him, he bowed. I touched his arm, drawing his gaze back to mine. “Why did you help me?” He’d withdrawn the hold Magnus had on me. Without his help, it wouldn’t have turned out this way. I would have been lost to the darkness forever.
He held his hand out, an offering for me to read his thoughts. Just a neat trick the Spirit Element gives to me. I took his hand without hesitation and opened myself up to him so that I could get a grasp on what this was all about.
In an instant, visions flashed through my mind and I recognized the first one immediately. I’d seen this memory in Misa’s mind at the beginning of this mess. At the time, though, she’d pulled away so I couldn’t see more. Now, it became clear.
Azar and Misa wanted to change the path of their world, protect and make it different–better. But Magnus was set in his ways. Yes, they could have defeated him, but then Pye would have taken his place. This would have been worse. So, that’s where I came in.
Misa planted the idea into Magnus’ head to have Pye destroyed. Then, with him out of the way, they put the plan into motion to destroy Magnus. They believed I had all the qualities of a supreme leader and no longer wanted to live in the realm of evil. They would have stopped Magnus’ hold over me earlier if they hadn’t needed me to bond to him first. It guaranteed that I was next in line to rule.
The visions stopped and I released Azar’s hand. Stunned, shocked–I was speechless.
Kyden stroked my arm in a soft touch. “All right?”
I glanced at him. Still unable to speak. This was all very serious, but to be truthful, I had no idea what to say. Off all the things that I thought this might be about, this had never once crossed my mind.
They chose me to lead. Me.
“Nexi, you have to say something.” Zia’s voice filled my mind.
I glanced at her. She gave me a nod of encouragement, to say whatever needed to be said, but still I couldn’t. I seriously drew a blank. I’d never been without words before or so completely dumbfounded.
Misa cleared her throat, broke the silence. “Um…Lady…I mean to say, Nexi, needs some time to process. Let’s give it to her.”
Just like that, every warlock, demon, and witch stood in unison and left the auditorium. All that remained were Misa, Azar, Zia, Talon, and Kyden.
When the final Supe left the room and the door closed, Zia ran to me, hugged me with every ounce of her strength. “I didn’t think it was going to turn out this way.” Her voice hitched. “I love you, Sweetie.”
Still, I stood speechless.
Zia leaned back, then glanced worriedly at Talon. The Master of Guardians, and Kyden’s father, had just released his son from a tight embrace. He looked a lot like him–had the whole ‘slay my dragon’ thing going on. “I think she’s in shock,” she said.
“Help her.”
Zia glanced back to me, kept her hold tight on my arms, and released her magic. A rush of ease filled me.
I exhaled deeply, then gave my head a shake. It relaxed me enough to ground myself again, but I was still unbelievably shocked. Clearly, Zia didn’t want to take away the sense of what was going on here, knew I needed it to make good decisions, but took the edge off.
“So…” I hesitated. Everyone looked at me, waited for me to continue. “You do know that I’m a White Witch?”
Misa nodded, a sweet smile spread across her face. “Yes, we know.”
“And you do know I won’t accept Black Magic, right?”
“Why do you think I didn’t allow you to accept it after the bonding ceremony? We don’t want you to change.” Azar smiled.
Now it made sense. At the time, he suggested that Magnus and I wait until we were alone for me to accept Black Magic. With all types of sultry promise, Magnus had agreed. A deep shudder erupted within me as I remembered the way he looked at me then, the way I felt and wanted him. Just yuck!
I shifted my focus away from thoughts along that line and got back to business. “Why?”
“We like how you are,” Misa responded.
I gave my head a shake, tried to understand all this, but nothing seemed to make sense. “I’m so confused.” I gave my temples a good, hard rub.
Misa laughed. “What’s there to understand? I told you repeatedly that we’re not what you think we are. Yes, we’re demons and must siphon souls to feed our world and our magic, but we disagree with our past leaders. We don’t want innocent souls taken.”
I had to laugh at the idea of such insanity. “You’re good evil guys?”
“Makes you like us, right?”
I did remember when she’d told me this awhile back but I thought she was totally nuts. The truth was, now, I did like her. Demons are the pure essence of evil and she denied her very own soul to live in kindness. That definitely put her on the side of the good guys. Still, none of this made any sense.
“Honestly, why have you chosen me? There were lots of powerful witches and warlocks here tonight. You could have picked any of them.”
Misa’s smile was shrewd. “Not as powerful as you. With you leading, it puts us in a position of great safety. No one can go up against you, which will keep our world and our wants, protected.”
Before I could process that, Zia said, “She’s right, Nexi. You’ve grown undeniably strong. You shielded Kyden against Magic–used your shield on another. I still don’t believe it.”
My magic always did seem to be stronger with emotional motivation behind it so it really didn’t surprised me anymore that my powers exploded when I needed them most. Besides, my mind just couldn’t break away from how insane this all was. “But I have no experience with leading anything. I’m only twenty-four years old for gosh sakes. I can’t do this.”
Azar placed a hand on my shoulder, his smile kind. “You were born to do this and we’ll be here to guide you.”
I waited a good ten breaths as I let my mind process the situation. It wasn’t going to go away and would happen whether I liked it or not. So, as they say, better face the music and find out exactly what they wanted from me. “Lay it on me then, what do I have to do?”
“First, we need to establish rules that your minions must adhere to.” Misa informed.
Suddenly, a horrific thought came to mind. “I don’t have to live here, do I?”
“You are the Ruler of the Underworld. You can do whatever you like–the rules are yours to make.”
My gaze met Kyden’s, relief palpable in my tone. “Well, that’s a bit of good news.”
“Indeed.”
“You can assign yourself minions to handle your daily duties, and to look after the world for you, if you don’t wish to live among us.” Misa continued.
Okay, easy decision. “I appoint you.”
“Me?” Misa gasped.
“Well yeah, you seem to know lots. You’ll do fine.” Better than I could do, and oddly, I trusted her. Yeah, I trusted a demon, never thought I’d see the day.
She started to bow, but I grabbed her arm quickly. “Please don’t. That’s just too weird.”
“As you wish, my…” she stopped herself and smiled. “Nexi.”
I smiled in return. Whoever guessed that I’d find a friend in Misa? I would never have thought it possible. Friends come from unusual places, and I couldn’t deny that when I looked at Misa, all I saw was a friend.
“We’ll be in nightly contact with you about situations that arise and matters you must deal with. It’d be my pleasure to act as your Siren to assist you and deal with most of the trouble without you. The role is normally given to a witch, but times have changed now, haven’t they?” Azar cut in.
“Great.” Maybe my involvement wouldn’t be as much as I thought. These two seemed to know what the hell they were doing. “So, you’ll only come to me if something really serious comes up?”
“As Siren, I’ll deal with anyone who goes against the laws you put forth. We’ll detain them here. Then, weekly you’ll need to come so they can stand before you.”
I sighed loud and proud. There went my whole plan to let everyone else handle it thing for me. “All right, got all that, so what do we do now?”
“We need to bring everyone back in so you can set in place the new rules.” Misa stated.
My gaze hit on every face here. “Er…I hope you are all going to help me with this?” I was glad to get a nod from each of them in return.
Half an hour later, we had rules to set the Underworld to rights. The crowd piled back into the auditorium and took their seats. Misa gave me a quick nod to begin.
“Here goes.” I said to Kyden, who gave my hand a squeeze before letting go. Nerves rattled me. Public speaking was never my strong suit. So, I made it quick.
“Rule one: No more taking innocent souls. Anyone who does will face destruction. Understood?” Every head nodded so I continued. “Only humans who have done something wrong, murder, rape, you know that kind of stuff. Those souls you can drain, and do whatever you want with, but that’s it.”
When a Demon drained a soul, it didn’t actually kill them, just weakened their life force–took a few years off. If they ruined lives, who cared that they’d die a little early. I sure didn’t.
“Rule two: If a human asks for something in return for giving his soul,” Which was how the majority of the souls were taken–given freely in exchange for something. “You cannot do anything evil. Got it? No hurting others, stealing, murder, anything that falls into those categories.”
I continued for what seemed like hours, until my mouth ran dry from talking. The rules were simple ones, we weren’t able to change the way of the Underworld, but we could run it along the same lines of the Otherworld. With the only difference being, I was the Council. What a big joke, right?
“I have put Misa in charge. So, anything needs to go through her.” Everyone nodded again. “Azar will now be my Siren. If there is trouble, go to him, and he’ll sort it out.” With that all said and done, I looked toward Azar. “You need to choose your…” I hesitated, searched for the right word, “…guard.”
Azar leaned in, his voice low. “Sorry, that’s your job. We’ll arrange for a challenge for you to choose who defends you.”
“Oh. Well, okay. We can do that.” I had no idea what I was doing and really hoped I didn’t look as ridiculous as I felt.
“Is that all then, Lady…I mean to say, Nexi?” Misa asked.
“Yes, that’ll do.” I glanced around the room and looked upon a few faces before me. “I guess I should probably thank you all. If it wasn’t for your support, things would’ve turned out very different.”
When Magnus called out for help, no one had given him aid. A couple of firm nods acknowledged me, but that was about it. I glanced back at Misa who smiled at me. “I guess that’s it, so can I go now?”
“You do not need to ask my permission,” she replied softly.
“Okay.” I walked back to Kyden and grabbed his hand. “Let’s go then.”
Everyone in the auditorium stood and bowed as Kyden and I walked, Zia and Talon followed. “Stop doing that.”
No one listened.

* * *

Buy Links:

Liquid Silver Books - http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=linda018&category=Stacey+Kennedy

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004G9KR9A

Fictionwise - http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/a60492/Stacey-Kennedy/?

~ Stacey

Website - www.staceykennedy.com

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=100000956942180

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3473046.Stacey_Kennedy

Twitter - http://twitter.com/Stacey_Kennedy

LRC's 2010 Best Science Fiction/Futuristic Book ...

2011-01-22T11:45:00.001-05:00

Silver Bound was nominated for 2010 Best SF/Futuristic at Love Romances Cafe.
This is very welcome news and I'm excited to say the least.

Dawn's Reading Nook: Nominees for Best Science Fiction/Futuristic Book ...: " To vote, please comment on this post with your ONE choice. Best Science Fiction/Futuristic Book-2010..."

Ready for Jaq?

2011-01-17T09:53:00.003-05:00

Jaq's Harp is just over a month away & I'm getting excited!
An early review is in, from Penelope's Romance Reviews :

"...the sci fi details are awesome. Drake does a tremendous job with her world-building. The bio-engineered beanstalk, the floating "islands," the hovercrafts, the dark, gritty, and desperate feel to life for the poor schmucks left on the surface of the earth, all make for a stunning vision of a world gone awry with technology." (B+)

And also in the good news department, Jaq's Harp is coming soon from Audible.com, who I think did a fantastic job with Silver Bound ( Audible / Amazon ). Can't wait to hear Jaq!

If you want a release day reminder for Jaq's Harp (futuristic, twisted fairyale goodness)--and to enter for a chance to win--sign up for my notification list. (no spam promise!)

and there's more...
I have another signing being arranged. Hopefully I'll have more details soon.
I'll also be visiting a few blogs around release day for Jaq. I'll post a calender when all the deets are nailed down.
Have a great day!

Contact - Infinite Futures

2011-01-07T09:40:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year! Hope you've had a great 2011 so far!
I'm starting the new year off participating in a new joint author blog, Contact - Infinite Futures. This new blog is by SF/SFR Carina Press authors. We'll be talking Science Fiction sans Romance and Science Fiction with Romance.

We consist of Carina authors Shawn Kupfer, KC Burn, Lilly Cain, and Robert Appleton.

My first post, I discussed one of my favorite topics, the coming apocalypse.

SFR Holiday Blitz

2010-12-20T12:26:00.003-05:00

There are 50, yes 5-0, Science Fiction Romance titles up for grabs in the second SFR Holiday Blitz. Three of those are from me! Yay!
Start the blitz at the Galaxy Express & be sure to visit the bloggers who have my titles as well as other fabulous authors:

Silver Bound is at Queen of the Frozen North
Jaq's Harp at SciFi Guy
and Firestorm on E'Terra at Lisa Paitz Spindler's

I'm in audio! I'm in audio!

2010-12-09T09:08:00.002-05:00

You guys! I can't believe I got goosebumps listening to the sample, but I did!
Silver Bound is now out in audio from Audible.com.
http://www.audible.com/pd?asin=B004FOL7KY
If you get a chance, take a listen to the sample & tell me what you think.

The essence of the story

2010-12-06T10:22:00.002-05:00

Today I'm a guest blogger of fellow author Tia Nevitt, author of The Sevenfold Spell from Carina Press. In preparing the post, I decided to write about the true essence of my new release, Silver Bound. That base, that the entire novel is centered around, is Power and Vulnerability.
Come visit and tell me what you think.

The World Beyond the Story

2010-12-01T00:00:00.003-05:00

I'd like to welcome Victoria Janssen to discuss one of my favorite topics, world building. Today is the release of The Duke and the Pirate Queen. Congrats to Victoria, and whoa! I love, love, love this cover. I made it nice and big so you could get a good look. You're welcome.

*****

The Duke and the Pirate Queen is set in the same world as The Duchess, Her Maid, The Groom and Their Lover and features characters who appeared in that novel, Duke Maxime and Captain Imena Leung. Captain Leung is forced to abduct Duke Maxime, who is her employer, to thwart an assassination plot against him. He wants her. She wants him. Unfortunately, issues of birth, rank, and their own pasts are in conflict with their desires. And then there are the pirates, the storm, the hostile islanders…not to mention the sharks.

The novel is set in a fantasy world that's based on all kinds of elements taken from our own world. Maxime's duchy is a Mediterranean-esque land with aspects of several centuries and countries. Imena comes from an empire that's very loosely based on fifteenth-century China--I say "loosely" because though I read Gavin Menzies' 1421: The Year China Discovered America, no specific facts from it made their way into the novel. Instead, the idea of a powerful Asian naval power mingled with all sorts of pirate and sea adventure novels in the back of my brain, and later with some reading I did on Asian pirates. I used my research to give a feeling that events and places existed that weren't shown in the story.

That's what I mean by "the world beyond the story." Even though I didn't show the Horizon Empire or any imperial privateers other than Imena, knowledge of both was in my thoughts as I wrote the story, influencing how I portrayed Imena's character and how she interacted with characters from the Duchies. The idea that she came from a large empire troubled by pirates, and that she fought those pirates, and that she gave it up, thoroughly underlies many aspects of her character.

Throughout the first chapters, I dropped small bits of information to build the reader's knowledge of her privateering past. First descriptive facts: "…the intricate blue, red, and white designs tattooed on her scalp, each hard won in her youth as an Imperial privateer." Then their place in the world: "Privateers were considered far below sailors in the navy" and "You can't inherit a position in the imperial navy...You are, however, permitted to work as a privateer, risking death for the Imperium's glory." Then a bit more about what they do for the Imperium: "...the fringe-territory pirates whom they usually hunted."

I think it's just as important not to show certain aspects of your worldbuilding as it is to thoroughly describe. I most enjoy books where I can not only immerse myself in the world of the story, but I can feel that if I reach a bit farther, dig a bit deeper, there will be more of the story's world for me to extrapolate and ponder.

*****

You can learn more at http://www.victoriajanssen.com/

The Art of Flirting by Inez Kelley

2010-11-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

Today Inez Kelley, author of graceful, sweeping fantasy romance and scintillating contemporary romance. is talking with us about flirting and body language and ladies. Read on, and then be sure to click those links at the bottom to learn more about Lipstick on His Collar.

***

Birds use widespread feathers and shake their tails.

Bucks lock horns with other bucks to prove their prowess.

Lions run, chasing game, to show endurance.

Bears rise up on hind legs to dominate and intimidate.

Every animal had a mating ritual, some are just showy than others. Humans have it best, I think. They use so many ways to flirt and draw attention: eye contact, touch, talking, etc. They can send a drink to a pretty woman in a bar, tuck a phone number in that cute guy’s pocket, or just look across a crowded dance floor and dance, alone, with his eyes locked with yours. Flirting is an invitation.

Even innocent and sweet Disney has characters flirting. Think about the Little Mermaid. Ursula the Sea Witch tells Ariel to use body language.

Beauty and the Beast dance when nobody is watching.

Even Lady and the Tramp has that famous spaghetti by moonlight scene.

I mention Lady and the Tramp for two reasons. One, in LIPSTICK ON HIS COLLAR, the heroine refuses to tell Bram her name. At first, it is a forbidden thrill, an overt flirt to draw him into her web. He calls her simply LADY.

The second reason is actually kind of the same. Once Bram finds her again, he is still firmly ensnared. But she asks him to leave, to go away. Bram is understandably feeling rejected. If she is LADY, does that make him the Tramp? Well, you remember what happened in the movie, right? They did have a full litter that went on to have a sequel. *snicker* Flirting pays off.

Flirting drew Bram to her but her personality is what made him long to find his Lady again. Once he found her, nothing could keep him away. Not even a vengeful ex waiting in the dark.

LIPSTICK ON HIS COLLAR

He never thought his next wildfire would be wearing a red dress.

“Make me your goddess and I’ll take you to heaven.” This sultry promise sparks a scorching, unforgettable one-night stand. The next morning Bram Winters awakes with a hickey and a head full of wicked memories—alone. His nameless goddess is gone without a trace, along with his shirt. And his heart.

Five months later, he stumbles across his mystery lady in a Laundromat, but she still won’t give up her name. Worse, she begs him to leave, no questions asked. Once he catches the spark of terror in her eyes, though, his firefighter training takes over—and he digs in for the duration.

Lady never wanted Bram to see her life’s ugly underside, but it’s too late—his socks are already in the washer. He was supposed to be her declaration of independence from her unstable ex, a bittersweet memory to carry into her new life.

Except the ex continues to stalks her. And Bram’s reappearance sends her emotions and desires tumbling over the edge. As the minutes wear on, sexual tension rises faster than the steam from a hot water wash.

And Lady’s ex watches from the shadows, growing more furious by the minute…

Product Warnings: Scorching sex, icy scissor play and an anonymous woman taking a wet slide down one hot ex-fireman’s pole. Beware of hot flashes and spontaneous combustion. Correct change not required.

MBam link

Amazon link

Inez Kelley is a multi-published author of various romance genres. You can visit her at her website http://inezkelley.com/ Follow Inez on twitter at @Inez_Kelley or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/inez.kelley

Carolina Pearl by Sela Carsen

2010-11-29T09:08:00.004-05:00

I read this book over the weekend and let me tell you, if you want a fun, sexy shifter read, go get Carolina Pearl. You will not regret it! And, it just so happens to be a giveaway today at Bitten by Paranormal Romance. Go enter & good luck!

Carolina Pearl
A family legend could lead to a treasure more precious than pearls…or get them killed.

Between babysitting her very pregnant sister-in-law and fending off her mother’s nagging about her marital status, Blair Moreau is going insane. Her only hold on sanity is her daily walk for a guilty peek at her crush, the sexy neighbor who’s fixing up the old Cotesworth place.

Conn Lucas, the bastard son of Culford’s leading family, got way out of town a long time ago. When the only relative who didn’t despise him leaves him her 250-year-old house, Conn plans to refurbish it, flip it, and get back to Connecticut as soon as possible. Until a local beauty with a rare talent for DIY gives him a hand with some stubborn siding.

When he makes her mad enough to swing a two-by-four at his head, he realizes Blair is better than perfect. Especially when his efforts to keep her from killing him explode into an erotic rush of adrenaline that unleashes desires they’ve both kept hidden.
Breaking through Conn’s tough shell isn’t as difficult Blair’s next hurdle—telling him she’s a werewolf. First, though, they’ve got to deal with meddling ghosts and a bad ol’ boy cousin who isn’t above taking what he wants at nail-gun point…

Product Warnings

This book contains a smokin’ hot werewolf chick with serious DIY know-how and a man who thinks that’s sexy; illegal use of nail guns; things to do in a claw-foot tub; pirate references; piddling Dobermans and meddling ghosts. Which is better than meddling Dobermans and piddling ghosts.

Read an excerpt!

Buy Now!

A Silver Bound teaser

2010-11-22T19:50:00.003-05:00

Still celebrating the release of Silver Bound!
I've picked a random winner from my announcement list and emailed. (winner's email address starts with a V). I'll also be giving away a copy tomorrow (23rd) on the Carina Press blog, so there's another chance to win. Come visit!
In the meantime, here's a teaser:

Guy has Jewel where he wants her, or rather, he doesn't. It's his worst nightmare, he can touch her, she wants him to, but he can't. He shouldn't. But he really, really wants to.

Here's a small taste of Silver Bound.

***

Guy groaned, long and guttural. “Can I kiss you, sweetheart?” he asked in a choked rush. In a swift, graceful move, he sat next to her on the couch.

“Please.” Nowhere inside her did she find any hesitation. He needn’t have bothered to ask.

“I’m stopping with the kiss. You’ve allowed me that privilege before.” A bleakness in his faraway expression, he stopped inches away. “I’m not taking anything from you. I’m just returning it now, like I borrowed it.”

“You noble, noble man,” she whispered and did as she’d longed to do. Pushing her fingers into his thick shiny hair, she shivered with the sensation like heavy silk stroking her palms. “Take what you want from me. I’m yours.”

A pained grunt came from deep within his chest, and strong arms enveloped her, wrapped around her waist and pulled her tight against his solid strength. At last, in his arms, she gripped his head, bringing him to her, never wanting to let go. Soft petals flickered across her lips, brushed back and forth, before making firmer contact. Like home, secure, surrounded in peace and strength. And blazing passion.

He teased her, nipping at her, licking the seam of her mouth and sucking on her bottom lip. She whimpered and fisted her hands in his hair as she struggled to get nearer. She couldn’t get close enough.

Slanting his head to a better angle, he slipped his tongue into her mouth to taste, to linger, to drive her wild with desire. His wet caress deepened, became forceful, hungry. This kiss was new, more urgent, more determined. Just, more.

Jewel hung there, swaying between heaven and desperation.

Then he pulled back.

***

Silver Bound

A dangerous journey across the galaxy

Sheriff Guy Trident doesn’t have much to do with off-worlders; he has his hands full keeping his own planet safe. But he’ll do anything, go anywhere to save Jewel Quinn. She broke his heart years ago when she left to marry a Terraloft aristocrat. Now she’s run away from her husband, only to fall into the clutches of slavers.

Posing as a wealthy playboy, Guy arrives at Zuthuru Station to learn he’s too late: Jewel’s memories have been erased. She’s been tipped in silver, a process that leaves nothing behind except her body, sexually bound to pleasuring her master. Unwilling to give up hope, Guy buys her.

Jewel fights to reclaim herself, recalling a different connection to the handsome sheriff, remembering the frightened eyes of a young boy and the events that made her run. Together she and Guy search for her cure, plan her son’s rescue from her ruthless ex, and test if they have any kind of future...before the past catches up to them.

Available from CarinaPress.com

Coming soon to audio from Audible.com

Also available from
Kindle, Nook, Diesel eBook Store,
& BooksOnBoard

EXCERPT from Silver Bound

Text Copyright © 2010 by Ella Drake
Cover Art Copyright © 2010 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. Cover art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.

Where is Ella?

2010-11-22T08:46:00.004-05:00

Today is release day! (eeeeep!)
I'll be blogging later today about Silver Bound, but thought I'd give an update on my whereabouts.
On the 14th, I was interviewed at The Galaxy Express.
17th, at Leah Braemel's, discussing my tomboyness and Wonder Woman.
18th, at Victoria Janssen's talking about world building a Space Western.
22nd, I'll be back here and giving away a copy of Silver Bound!
23rd, blogging at Carina Press, Rustling up a Space Cowboy
29th, at Inez Kelley's
30th, at Cheeky Reads
and Dec 6th, at Tia Nevitt's.

Hope to see you there!

Jaq's Harp Cover!!

2010-11-19T12:27:00.005-05:00

Isn't it delicious?
Tell me, what do you think the story is about, just from the cover?

Thanks to Carina Press and the artistry of Frauke of Croco Designs!

Excerpt from Silver Bound

2010-11-15T07:35:00.000-05:00

Once a month, Bria Quinlan and Alexia Reed host a bunch of authors who get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don’t have to be published to participate–just be a writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site or click on the banner above!

***

Silver Bound is a space western, a story about a man who is supposed to uphold the law, a sheriff, who finds himself fighting his own nature and moral standards when forced to do something illegal--purchase a slave. But the slave is no stranger. Jewel is the love of Guy's life. She no longer remembers him, or her ex-husband, and he's doing all he can to keep things right.

This is a scene after he's broken his rule of no intimate contact. He's done so because he wants to ease the punishment her slave collar has given her.

This excerpt highlights the emotions the heroine, Jewel, struggles with. She has no memory, loves the man who bought her, and doesn't want to remember herself. She wants this new life. But, should she want to remember? What has she forgotten?

Excerpt from SILVER BOUND, available from Carina Press, Nov 22nd.
Text Copyright © 2010 by Ella Drake
Cover Art Copyright © 2010 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. Cover art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.

***

“Are you all right? The punishment should have backed off. Why are you still in pain?”

“Guy,” [Jewel] breathed in relief.

When her swimming vision cleared, she caught sight of him hovering over the bed, concern tightening his mouth.

“No. It’s not that.” She swallowed the bitterness invading her mouth. “I had a memory. My husband.”

“Ex-husband,” Guy insisted, his face blanking as he backed away. “As soon as we get your memory back, you can get in touch with him. But I’m sorry, sweetheart. I don’t know if it’d be a kindness to even talk to him since his wife is now an ex and is sexually bound to another man.”

Jewel had a strong suspicion her ex-husband had no more than a passing acquaintance with the concept of kindness.

“However you want to handle it, we’ll do it. I can’t really think of a way to let you go back to him, though. But if you want to, I’ll find a way if it kills me.” Guy’s expression remained bland, as if they’d never been intimate.

“No. I want to stay with you.” She didn’t dare move, even to clean away the evidence of what they’d just shared. The way he spoke chilled her.

“You say that now, but what do you think will happen when you get back your memories?”

“Let’s not find out. Take me home,” she pleaded. The word “home” curled around her tongue and softened the panic inside her. She’d been in Guy’s home. She knew that, quite utterly.

“I can’t take you home until you’re whole again.” Guy turned his back to her and strode toward the bathroom where he’d spent an inordinate amount of time the past few days.

She had no response and fought the sting of threatening tears when the door closed. Without him, the man she craved as much as she loved—a love she absolutely knew she’d always felt—she’d never be whole again.

The question was, did she deserve him? The memory that had surfaced, unbidden, had hinted that she’d cheated on her husband. She’d been an adulteress.

She didn’t want to remember herself. Not at all.

***

For more, including the opening scene to Silver Bound, see my website.

Links to other Excerpt Monday writers
Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

As always, our hostesses Bria Quinlan (PG13), Alexia Reed (R), Rachel Jameson (PG13) and Kendal Corbitt (R) thank you for stopping by!

Silver Bound in Audio!

2010-10-22T05:08:00.005-04:00

Just received news that Silver Bound is to be released in audio from Audible.com!
I can't wait to hear it! (and yes, I really, truly blushed thinking of some of the scenes that will be in full fledged audio!)
The ebook will released on Nov 22 -- Preorder available at CarinaPress.com & right now, the audio version is set to release on the same day.

Plans

2010-09-23T07:41:00.005-04:00

I'm wrapping up the second story in my Future Tales (a romance series of twisted fairytales set in the future with a biopunk flavor). Jaq's Harp will release from Carina Press in February, and I've yet to start edits with my fabulous editor Deb Nemeth, but the next story came to me and I couldn't resist writing it. With the first draft on that one nearly complete, I'm planning on putting it aside for a few weeks and working on the next project.

The world setting for Silver Bound is intriguing to me with its blend of frontier and space-set futuristic elements. I've been working on another manuscript in that world, and I've been mulling over the continuing story for one of the secondary characters in Silver Bound. The perfect heroine for our reluctant hero came to me & I've decided to write their story for National Novel Writing Month. (November might be a challenge for me since Silver Bound releases then, but I'm optimistic!)

Before November, I plan on adding some goodies to the site for you to see more of the world in Silver Bound. A cut scene, maps, and more, coming soon!

The Galaxy Express hosts my cover!

2010-09-10T06:44:00.003-04:00

The Galaxy Express posted my newly revealed Silver Bound cover for Carina Press. I'm very appreciative of all Heather does on her blog to keep us up to date on the happenings in Science Fiction Romance. If you're interested in seeing the cover or in discussing the state of SFR covers, go on over to take a look: The Galaxy Express.

#SYTYCW and Silver Bound

2010-08-25T11:01:00.002-04:00

I'm over at Bria Quinlan’s blog participating in So You Think You Can Write. I love the idea of this contest. So, if you have time and inclination, hop on over and vote on #21. This is the first line in a shape shifter story that's nearly complete.

Silver Bound is coming! The revisions, edits, and blurb have been turned in. Now we're waiting on copyedits and a cover. I can't wait to see the cover. I know it'll be awesome because Carina Press has been rocking the covers. Every day I wake up and check the inbox for it! In the meantime, I'm brainstorming a Silver Bound sequel and hope to start it in the next few weeks. I'm also putting together extras for the novel with maps of the world, a deleted scene, and character bios. I'm having fun with this story. So much fun!

Summer is drawing to a close

2010-08-16T21:27:00.004-04:00

I'd taken a brief hiatus during summer for conferences, edits, vacation, and last but not least, family.
But I'm back and hoping to post on a more regular basis.
In the meantime, since I last posted, The Forbidden Chamber released in print.
Yay!
And I guest blogged over on Delilah Devlin's blog about dangerous honeymoons.

winner of gift card

2010-08-03T09:03:00.001-04:00

The winner of the gift card, chosen randomly from commenters during my July contests, is donnas!
Congrats!

Winner of contest

2010-07-27T09:58:00.002-04:00

The winner of the print copy of The Forbidden Chamber is Beth!
I sent you an email!
Check back tomorrow for another contest! It's the last time to enter my July Wednesday contests and the last time to comment for a chance to win a $25 gift card.

2010-07-21T23:16:00.003-04:00

Over at The Galaxy Express, the Parallel Universe has just started! It's a Science Fiction Romance online event held at the same time as the RWA national convention. A new wonderful post from SFR bloggers and authors will be unveiled every day through the 31st.
This year's theme is diversity.
My contribution was posted today about differences in social status and how that might play out in future set romances. Take a look at The Admiral Duke and the Space Pirate Governess.

Contest! I have pretties!

2010-07-21T13:40:00.005-04:00

The Forbidden Chamber releases August 3rd from Samhain Publishing. It's full of dark, exciting, and sexy Raven shifters. I have author copies!
So tell me, do you have a favorite kind of shifter?
One commenter wins a print copy!

Oh, and one commenter from all my July Wednesday contests wins a gift card. See first post for more details.

5-star review!

2010-07-18T08:49:00.004-04:00

Back from vacation to a wonderful review from Gianna at Joyfully Reviewed (in truth, the review came out in April, but I just got the alert).

"The Forbidden Chamber by Ella Drake is an extraordinary tale filled with lust and danger. This is the first time I have read a shape-shifter story that was not wolf-related and I have to say I was not disappointed. The bond between Rukh and Isabel is consuming and passionate. The family curse was a good twist and I loved that Isabel was featured as having a key role in securing a future for Rukh and herself. Overall The Forbidden Chamber is definitely a must-read."

Read the full review here.

The Forbidden Chamber is available in digital format right now. It will be available in print August 3rd. You can preorder now from your favorite bookstore.

quick contest

2010-07-14T14:19:00.002-04:00

The next July Wednesday contest is easy. Just leave a comment to be entered to win ebook copies of my two Cobblestone Press short stories: Wolf-Bitten and Scent of Cin. For more info, including excerpts, check them out on the Fiction page of my website (link above). One winner will be announced next Wednesday.
Don't forget, all who enter my July contests are also entered to win a gift card (see previous post).

Easy-peasy birthday contest

2010-07-07T17:23:00.005-04:00

I'm celebrating my birthday this month and I'd love to give you stuff! Isn't that what birthdays are all about? Well, okay, usually you give things to the birthday gal, but not on this blog!

What I'd most love to give everyone is pleasant, moderate temperatures since it's so hot here this week, but since I can't do that, I'll have to settle for putting my red-hot space-faring fireman story up for grabs.

"Firestorm on E'Terra" is a science fiction romance novella. It's a finalist in the 2010 PRISM awards. It's paired in a hot anthology with "This Fire" by Elise Logan and Emily Ryan-Davis. And it features cold, tasty futuristic smoothies, which sounds good about right now on such a scorching day.
If those aren't enough reasons to read the story, here's another taste (rated adult).

“What change did you make to the shake today?” Dex's dark brown eyes twinkled, but he didn’t let the grin threatening the corners of his mouth slip free.

“Oh. Didn’t have time to mix one. With the aborted mission, I only had time to come straight here.”

Samy could have sworn his kissable lips sunk down momentarily into a frown. Did he actually look forward to her health shakes? She made a flash decision—one she’d have to mark down in her personal journal—one so out of character it’d likely need to be evaluated by the military psych unit.

“Would you like to return to my cabin to try my latest recipe?”

Holy stars.

Did she just ask him that?

Like a schoolgirl, she wanted to blush and stare at her feet. The absolute strongest of wills made her stand there, look him in the eye, and wait on her rejection. He ran a towel over his military short, nearly shaved head and scrubbed back and forth before he answered. Waiting on his reply, she stared at his lips and strong chin accentuated by a small soul patch. She’d never liked facial hair before, but she flashed on a recurring fantasy of that patch of hair rubbing the inside of her thighs.

She blinked and crossed her arms over her chest. Her nipples had hardened until they hurt.

“Sounds like a plan, ma’am.”

Now what the hell would she do?

Copyright © 2009 Ella Drake
All rights reserved — published by Liquid Silver Books
excerpt edited slightly for readability

So, all ya gotta do is leave me a comment for a chance to win either the digital format, published by Liquid Silver Books in the Hearts Afire: December anthology, or the print version in Two Flames as One.

***important***
I'll be holding a contest like this one every Wednesday this month. I'll pick a winner for the previous week each Wednesday morning, so get your comments in by Tuesday midnight (EST).
Be sure to comment in each contest because you get a second chance to win!
At the end of the month, I'll pick a winner from all comments for a $25 gift card from winner's choice between AllRomanceEbooks.com, Amazon.com, or Barnes & Noble.

Expanding Universe Contest

2010-07-04T21:33:00.003-04:00

July is a great month for summer reads, a great month for contests, and a great month to try a Liaden novel if you haven't yet. I'm passing along info on this great contest and encouraging all of you who enjoy romance and/or science fiction, to take a look at this series.

July is also a great month for this author to have a birthday blog bash!
First, take a look at this contest, details below, and go enter! And come back here through the month for more mayhem. Every Wednesday of the month, I'll announce a contest & on July 17th (5-6pm EST), I'll be partying at the Samhain Cafe for "Christmas in July". I'll post more on that later.

****
Sharon Lee & Steve Miller are the author team behind the classic and ever-popular Liaden Universe®. This series of “adventurous romantic space opera” holds cross-over appeal for both romance and science fiction readers.

To celebrate the release of MOUSE AND DRAGON, Lee and Miller’s thirteenth Liaden novel, the authors are hosting a contest. It’s open to anyone and everyone who has yet to sample a Liaden Universe® novel.

Not only that, but if you’re a blogger who wants to help spread the word about it, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $36.00 gift card from Barnes and Noble! And if you’re a blogger new to the Liaden novels of Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, you can enter both tiers of the contest.

Here is an excerpt from the official announcement at Sharon Lee’s blog:

In celebration of the publication of Mouse and Dragon, the thirteenth novel set in their Liaden Universe®, authors Sharon Lee and Steve Miller are holding an Expanding Universe Contest! Yes! No less than thirty-six electronic copies of The Dragon Variation will be given away.

The Dragon Variation is an omnibus edition of three Liaden Universe® novels — Conflict of Honors, one of the first modern SFRomances; Local Custom, second place winner of the Prism Award for best Futuristic of 2002; and Scout’s Progress, the first place winner of the Prism Award for best Futuristic of 2002, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice for Best SF Novel of its year, and the prequel to Mouse and Dragon.

That's three complete novels under one cover. No prior knowledge of the Liaden Universe® required. Electronic! In Baen Books’ DRM-free, multiplatform style. This omnibus can be read on your Kindle, your phone, your iPad, your desktop, or other ereader.

To enter the contest, visit Sharon Lee’s blog and follow the instructions you see there (it’s easy). Winners will be announced on Saturday, July 17, 2010.

****

The Forbidden Chamber - Print edition available for preorder

2010-07-01T09:36:00.003-04:00

The print edition of The Forbidden Chamber is available for preorder. The official release date is August 3rd.
It's listed at Amazon, Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Powell's, and more listed on GoodReads.

Read an excerpt on my website, here.

I can't wait to get my hands on this, myself. I'll be signing this book at the RWA National Conference in Orlando on Wednesday, July 28, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Walt Disney World® Dolphin Resort, Pacific Exhibit Hall, in Orlando, Florida.

Daphne, Episode Four

2010-06-28T09:17:00.003-04:00

The next installment of my weird SF serial The Adventures of Daphne is now available. When we first saw Daphne, she'd just gotten the better of a bunch of creepy crawly carnivorous space worms. Then, she helped a few military-types rescue her, followed by an inquiry into all that's happened. Take a look at the next installment of Space-D.

The story is on my website: Daphne, Episode Four

Welcome to the special Summer Full Reads for Excerpt Monday. This month, in addition to our typical excerpt week, we're having a week of full stories written by several fabulous EM writers. Visit the Excerpt Monday site! or click on the banner above.

Wonderful news!

2010-06-02T10:32:00.003-04:00

I've gotten the call! Carina Press is offering for my Science Fiction Romance, Caught in Silver (expect a title change). This story is what I loosely call a Space Western. I love it!
So much going on that I'm a bit frazzled, but excited and hoping you all will love this book as much as I do.

Here's the unedited blurb:
Backwater-planet Sheriff takes to the space-lanes to rescue his long lost love

Memories ripped away and her entire existence tied to a new owner, concubine Jewel tries to break through her re-programming to remember the man who now owns her. The crumbling barriers in her mind spark a tide of events and a race through space that reveal a murderer. Though it might kill her, she can do nothing less than reach inside herself for the truth.

Sherriff and Rancher Guy Trident poses as a wealthy playboy spacer to rescue kidnapped women from slavers, but this time the imperiled woman is the one who broke his heart five years earlier. Now that Jewel’s tied to him body and soul, programmed to his respond to his every desire, can he keep his hands and mind off of her long enough to save them both from the crimeboss hot on their trail?

PRISM finalist!

2010-05-27T15:45:00.004-04:00

I've received some exciting news! My SF Romance novella, "Firestorm on E'Terra" is a finalist in FF&P's PRISM contest! Firestorm was published by Liquid Silver Books in the anthology Hearts Afire: December. I'm so happy that I'm not sure if I've come down from the clouds, yet. There are some amazing authors listed as finalists. I'll share the full list soon.
Thank you to everyone who helped me with this story!

Firestorm on E'Terra

Erotic Science Fiction Romance -- Novella

When fire meets ice, the storm flames out of control.

Intragalactic smokejumper and former refugee Wilson Dex takes the latest in a long line of risks, a mission to quell the firestorm on planet E'terra.

Equipment from his transport ship malfunctions, forcing by-the-book Commander Samantha Varde dirtside to help Dex though she suffers from landsickness.

While fighting the ill-timed and against-code heat between them, they have hours to reprogram a torpedo, fly into a tornado, and chute into a firestorm, all to save the colony before the storm flames out of control.

Available digitally from Liquid Silver Books

in Hearts Afire: December, along with "This Fire", by Elise Logan and Emily Ryan-Davis.

Also available from All Romance eBooks -- Fictionwise -- ebookwise -- ereader.com

Available in print: Two Flames as One from
CreateSpace and Amazon.com

My Geeky Romance

2010-05-20T07:44:00.004-04:00

I've been going through my unfinished projects trying to decide what to do with them. One of them has a favorite hero of mine. It's a finished short that has some issues. I'm trying to decide if I can fix it, because I simply adore this hero. Here are thirteen lines from when the hero and heroine first interact in this story. (I had to skip a few lines between his entry and their first dialog so I could keep it to thirteen.)

The wind from the opening door of the lab blew the tissue thin papers all over the floor.
...
Thad Stephanos never smiled, and he didn’t now, but his lip quirked on the left side for a few seconds in greeting. He pushed his thick rimmed, black glasses up his nose and started toward her as if to help pick up the scattered prints.
“No.” She held up her hand in a stop motion. “Don’t help. Thank you.”
“You think I’ll steal your blueprints?” The dawning horror on his face halted her move to pick up the papers.
She sighed and answered begrudgingly. She wanted to hate him. She did. She really, really did, but he was so darn good looking, she lost all sense around him.

RT Giveaway Winner

2010-05-01T10:25:00.002-04:00

Through the time proven method of strips of paper pulled from a hat, the winner of the giveaway is CheekyGirl. (I'll be emailing, but if you don't hear from me, please email me at ella AT elladrake DOT com)

I will be holding at least one more contest. So far in the giveaway I have an Ellora's Cave cover model calendar and deck of cards. Posting more about that soon.

RT Giveaway

2010-04-29T18:17:00.005-04:00

Hello folks!
I'm at the RT Booklovers Convention and would love to send one of you guys this bag of goodies. It includes an RT canvas bag, The Christmas Love-Child by Jennie Lucas, Hex in High Heels by Linda Wisdom, Hot Westmoreland Nights by Brenda Jackson, Finding Your Mojo by Stephanie Bond, Vengeance Road by Rick Mofina, Feelin' the Vibe by Candice Dow, A Darker Domain by Val McDermid, a book cover by Hide-a-Cover that says "This is not a trashy Vampire Romance Novel", and the May issue of RT Book Reviews.

Contest is easy. Just leave a comment. If you'd like, you can follow me on twitter, on this blog, or join my newsletter or yahoo group through my contact page. Let me know in the comment & I'll enter you in the contest twice.

Important:
I'll pick a winner Saturday morning and email the winner. I'll need to ship this on Saturday, so I'll need your shipping address by noon EST.

If I get another bag of goodies, I'll hold another contest!

RT Booklovers Convention

2010-04-26T15:09:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow I'll be heading to the RT Booklovers Convention, held this year in Columbus, OH. I'll be participating in my first signing. This go-around, it'll be two ebooks (plan on scheduling book signings for The Forbidden Chamber in August).
I'll be signing The Forbidden Chamber and Hearts Afire: December (includes my SciFi-Rom novella, Firestorm on E'Terra). The event is hosted by All Romance Ebooks.

While I'm there, I will be picking up tidbits for giveaways for my blog visitors, so stay tuned for posts in the coming week!

For more info on the authors attending, check out the RT website.

13 things found on nature walk

2010-04-22T06:31:00.003-04:00

We went on a hike through a state park yesterday and here are only a few of the things we saw:

Trees
Dandelions
Fireflies
Snakes
Birds
Deer droppings
Horse shoe tracks
Chipmunks
Pond
Farm Cows
Farm Rabbits
Farm Goats
Farm Sheep

It's tax day

2010-04-11T01:00:00.000-04:00

Thursday Thirteen is on hold this week as I'm blogging over at Liquid Silver about tax day and what I'm thankful for.
Stop by!
http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/blog/?p=5344

Georgette Heyer and the Gothic

2010-04-08T06:09:00.004-04:00

If you've been wondering why I've been a little quiet lately, one of the reasons is a little bit of academic research I've been doing, primary area being Gothic Research. To help me with that, here's a little timeline I put together:

1764 The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole
1794 The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe, precursor of the Byronic hero.
1817 Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
1847 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
1921 The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer
1938 Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
1944 DuMaurier sued for plagiarism. Publishers cite formula as defense.
1947 The Reluctant Widow by Georgette Heyer
1960 Mistress of Mellyn by Victoria Holt
1960 Thunder Heights by Phyllis Whitney, first in gothic series by Ace Books
1964 Harmsel cites Northanger Abbey as burlesque.
1968 Cousin Kate by Georgette Heyer
1976 “The Female Gothic” termed by Ellen Moers in Literary Women

You might wonder why I pick these dates...
More on that later!

Get Jinxed!

2010-04-07T20:22:00.003-04:00

Inez Kelley, one of my favorite fellow Samhain authors has her first print release this week, the romantic comedy: Jinxed.
Check it out. You won't regret it!

When opposites attract, they are screwed three ways from Sunday.

Frannie learned the hard way that a McHottie doesn’t always equal marriage material. She’s happy with her vanilla life. She has friends, a career and a double-D-powered vibrator. Then Fate shoves her, literally, into Prince Charming’s lap. His declaration of love at first sight is cute—and spikes her bullcrap meter into the red zone.

She’s more than willing to give in with her body. But she’s barricaded her heart behind castle walls—and permanently welded the gates shut.

Tragedy taught Jinx that time is too precious to waste, so when a series of uncanny coincidences thrusts Frannie into his life, he holds on tight. He knows she thinks he’s several fries short of a Happy Meal, but he’s determined to breach the fortress around her heart and give her a Happily Ever After.

Even if he has to carry her fanny-first into his kingdom.

Warning: Includes jelly shoes, a narcoleptic cat, and meatloaf. The steamy sex scenes may lead to fogged windows and wet panties, so proceed at your own risk. Do not attempt to read without the following items: tissues, napkins for spewed beverages, and a booty call on speed dial.

You can get it at Amazon or Barnes and Noble or Samhain.

NEC Conference

2010-03-24T20:24:00.004-04:00

This weekend, I'll be attending the NEC-RWA 2010 Let Your Imagination Take Flight Conference being held in Framingham, MA. At the end of the conference, a book fair, open to the public, will be held. Proceeds go to the Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts. Below are the authors who will be signing, the first three authors being guests of honor:

Brenda Novak
NY Times/USA Today
Best Seller

MaryJanice Davidson
NY Times/USA Today
Best Seller

Judith Arnold
Award Winning
Best Seller

Annette Blair
Ashlyn Chase
Caroline Linden
Chrisyne Butler
Dalton Diaz
Diane Amos
Donna Russo Morin
Eve Silver
Hannah Howell
Jennifer Linforth
Jessica Andersen
J.M. Griffin
K.A. Mitchell
Kat Henry Doran
Kate George
Kathryn Smith
Laura Moore
Linda Bleser
Linda Cardillo
Lindsay Downs
Lindsay Longford
Lisa Mondello
Pepper Goodrich
Sally MacKenzie
Samantha Hunter
Winnie Griggs

If you're in the area, come by and see me!

2010-03-11T07:14:00.003-05:00

Have you read an ebook this week? You should.

Check out the history behind Read and E-Book Week.
There are many classics available at Project Gutenberg, which I've been a fan of since around 2006 or so. Project Gutenberg has loads of free, legal, no-longer-under-copyright ebooks.
Jane Eyre is available at Gutenberg in txt, html, epub, mobi, and other formats.
The last ebook I bought was Doubled Plots: Romance and History by Susan Strehle and Mary Paniccia Carden. I'm actually kind of excited about how the ereader may impact the future of text books, making them more easily attainable and more affordable.
Ebooks are better for the environment. I'm all about the environment, trust me on this, but that's not why I read ebooks. The main reason I read ebooks is for the convenience. If I want a new book at midnight, voila.
Nathan Bransford, agent blogger extraordinaire, blogged about ebook skeptics here.
I have a list of free Sci-Fi Rom ebooks here, which needs to be updated in the near future because I've found a few new ones to add.
This month, All Romance Ebooks is having a 25% Omnibucks rebate on all Samhain Publishing titles. This includes my Samhain title, The Forbidden Chamber.
Last week and the week before, my erotic paranormal short story, Scent of Cin was a top 25 best seller in Romance at Fictionwise. Two weeks! I'm still in awe. Thanks to everyone who bought my story!
I have ebooks published with three wonderful publishers, Cobblestone Press, Liquid Silver Books, and Samhain Publishing, the last of which will also publish my novel in print this August.
I'll be signing for the first time as an author at the 2010 RT Booklovers Convention, and I'll be signing ebooks!
The last ebook I read was Hearts and Minds by J.C. Hay. This is from one of two Space Opera Anthologies from Samhain. I really enjoyed it.
I'm holding a read an ebook giveaway for all my ebooks this week. Scroll down to my last post to see more. Also to celebrate, I'll be at the Samhain Cafe tonight 7:30-8:30 EST.
Come visit!

Read an Ebook Week

2010-03-07T09:39:00.006-05:00

It's read an ebook week!
To celebrate, I'll be giving away one copy each of my ebooks this week.
Leave a comment here or send a comment to me privately through my website contact page (use the send Ella a note form).

I'll choose at random one winner each for my two short stories, Scent of Cin and Wolf-Bitten, and my erotic SF-Rom novella "Firestorm on E'Terra" in Hearts Afire: December along with "This Fire" by Elise Logan and Emily Ryan Davis.

On Thursday, come visit me at the Samhain Cafe for a chance to win the ebook of my novel The Forbidden Chamber. I'll be at the Cafe on Thursday 7:30 - 8:30 PM EST.
You can find the cafe here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/samhaincafe/?yguid=316724180

Read an ebook this week!

Things you may not know about me

2010-03-04T00:01:00.004-05:00

I love to dance.
I'm a horrible singer. Don't ever stand next to me on the dance floor while I'm belting out a Madonna song. I'll hurt your ears.
My favorite author is Toni Morrison. She came to speak to my Women's Lit class while I was in undergrad & I got a smidgen of a crush. She's beautiful in person and her voice is smooth as velvet. She came to Atlanta when the Olympics were there & I dragged my then boyfriend, now husband, to hear her. I love her voice so much, I got a book on tape of her reading one of her books. Turns out, such a wonderful voice doesn't keep you awake while you're driving. Oops.
Some of my favorite short stories were written by Issac Asimov, but I can't read his longer work.
I used to work at a large telecommunications company as a programmer. I've got lots of skills in web stuff, video stuff, & phone stuff. I try to forget all that.
I used to work for a US Senator. I almost got fired for getting frustrated with a caller who repeatedly called to badmouth my boss. I lost my patience one day. Yeah, I've got a limit.
I've ridden in a Black Hawk helicopter. Drove a tank, shot a machine gun and rode a zip line down from a paratrooper jump tower, but I was too chicken to bungee jump on my honeymoon. Hey, it was my honeymoon! Not ready to die so early in the marriage!
Number 7 is about as interesting as I get. Really.
I used to talk on the phone as a teenager for three hours or more. Now I can't deal with being on the phone for five minutes.
I want to go to L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland where they uncovered a Norse settlement in the '60s. Then, onward to Iceland, baby!
I grew up in football country (that's American football, not that soccer thing). I thought there was nothing like being in a stadium full of 60,000 screaming fans. But, I think I like live hockey more. Go figure.
I run, hit baseball, and fight like a girl.
I can parallel park a minivan like nobody's business.

Alright then, tell me something about you!

A happy author

2010-03-03T21:26:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I stumbled across a review for The Forbidden Chamber that made me a very happy author (If you call googling your name "stumbling across"). What I love about this review is that the reviewer, Jasmine from Whipped Cream Erotic Reviews, not only liked it, but picked up on so many of the threads I so loved creating in the story.

And, she even found something I hadn't thought about. The story is listed as containing "voyeurism". It does, but I hadn't even considered that aspect until she categorized it. This made my smile grow wider.

Here are some of the highlights of the review (full review can be found here).
"The Forbidden Chamber is riveting and had me sitting on the edge of my seat from beginning to end."
"Two thumbs up to Ms. Drake for providing us with a fast-paced, action-driven, heart-warming, sensual story that brings the characters to life and will captivate the reader; thereby, making them beg for more. I would definitely recommend The Forbidden Chamber to my friends."
Five out of five cherries!

Get some Cin

2010-03-01T00:01:00.007-05:00

Welcome to the New Release Monday. This month, in addition to our typical excerpt week, we're showcasing new releases by several fabulous EM writers. Excerpt Monday site! or click on the banner above.

Comment at Excerpt Monday & tell us your favorite type of romance to be entered in the Tuesday night drawing for:

Any book from Juniper Bell’s Backlist
Snowbound by MG Braden
Scent of Cin by Ella Drake
Can’t Stand the Heat by Louisa Edwards
Branded by Emma Petersen

***

Today for Excerpt Monday, I'm featuring my story, Scent of Cin. Released with Cobblestone in October, this erotic paranormal short story is now available through Fictionwise (available here) and partner websites.
Comment at Excerpt Monday today to enter the contest.

Scent of Cin
by Ella Drake
ISBN: 978-1-60088-469-6
published by Cobblestone Press

It took death for Cinnamon Murphy to find her love, a sexy half-demon she can't resist.

Half-demon Vedo resurrects the newly-dead Cinnamon Murphy, detective, bane of the Hellions - and all woman. Vedo needs her to find his son, product of a forced union with a powerful demoness, but Vedo gets more than he bargains for. Once Cin is no longer a shade, her scent becomes a lure his Nephilim nature can't resist. Cin finds that being raised from the dead gives her uncontrollable cravings for heat, especially for the hot man who needs her help, a man she's sworn to kill.

It's a race to the summer solstice, the stakes are for eternity, the passion is not of this world, and love is an ill afforded weakness.

Here's a small snippet, for just a taste. A longer excerpt is available on the Cobblestone website.

***

Pulling the car over to the side of the road, Vedo ignored the swerving and honking cars.

Cin’s tension straightened her shoulders. Her intense observation narrowed to the group now a block away from the car. They slowed with their noses in the air, scenting.

“Damn. I don’t have my taser or my sword,” Cin said, her voice calm despite the threat.

Taser to immobilize them temporarily. Sword to decapitate them permanently. He’d seen her skill with the sword, and it was a chilling sight. Chilling not being a comfortable feeling for him, he wasn’t disappointed she didn’t have her sword. Of course, she shouldn’t be defenseless, and he’d had them retrieved after she’d been ambushed.

“I have your weapons in the trunk.”

She leaned into him and gave him a scorching kiss. Hot and greedy, her tongue entered his mouth. After too short a moment, she pulled back.

“You do have your uses,” she said and gripped her knees as if to keep her hands from him.

Maybe he should keep her sword around if it got him this kind of reaction. The scalding waves that radiated from his chest outweighed any amount of chill.

The Hellions smelled Cin, blatant erections undeniable proof. They surrounded the Jag, snuffling. The woman in question remained calm, used to this behavior, but it made his skin crawl. His temper flared, and he thought he heard a growl. Impossible. He’d learned long ago to keep his feral nature in check. Cin flicked an amused glance his way, and the spiking heat in the small space proved he’d lost control.

He’d sunk to the level of the beasts outside the car.

He’d growled.

Damn.

***

Links to other New Releases
Note: I have not personally screened these releases. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

Bad guys

2010-02-24T00:35:00.002-05:00

I'm blogging at the Samhellion today, and I want to know...
What bad guys have you rooted for?

Come tell me at the Samhellion.

13 SF/F Magazine covers

2010-02-18T07:16:00.003-05:00

Because of the copyright law at the time, these magazine covers fell into public domain after their copyright wasn't renewed after 28 years. I find these pulp era covers to be incredibly fun and thought inspiring.

With this kind of artwork, I like to look at it and try to come up with the story that goes along with it. So do my kids. Sometimes it turns into a game of who can come up with the most outrageous story.

What stories do you see?
(hint: you can view these in larger size by right clicking and selecting "view image")

Scent of Cin now available from Fictionwise

2010-02-15T21:03:00.003-05:00

Scent of Cin
ISBN: 978-1-60088-469-6
Now available at Fictionwise. 15% off as a new release!

Half-demon Vedo resurrects the newly-dead Cinnamon Murphy, detective, bane of the Hellions -- and all woman. Vedo needs her to find his son, product of a forced union with a powerful demoness, but Vedo gets more than he bargains for. Once Cin is no longer a shade, her scent becomes a lure his Nephilim nature can't resist. Cin finds that being raised from the dead gives her uncontrollable cravings for heat, especially for the hot man who needs her help, a man she's sworn to kill.

Available at Fictionwise, here.
For more info and excerpt, check the Scent of Cin page on my bookshelf.

Barefoot Valentine

2010-02-12T00:01:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the Be My Valentine Blog Hop! You should be following the tour via the Booknibbles Tour Bar. If you're just happening along this post, there's still time to join in, just click that link and it will take you right to the beginning. Be warned, there's some seriously hot pictures and content on this tour! Is that warning, or enticement?

And here's my lovely addition:

[image removed to improve page load times]

There's something wonderfully sexy about a barefoot man in worn denim. This is the kind of image I have of the hero of my current work in progress.

Just take a moment and let your imagination wander . . .

I have!

Now, after that moment of zen, go ahead and continue on the tour, but don't forget to comment to be entered into the drawing for prizes. If you're dropping in here and don't know about the tour or the available prizes, a copy of the anthology Hearts Afire: December with my novella "Firestorm on E'Terra" and "This Fire" by Elise Logan and Emily Ryan-Davis is included. Check out the rest of the prizes --- here.

13 lines from Daphne

2010-02-11T09:01:00.004-05:00

For Thursday Thirteen this week, I thought I'd post the first thirteen lines of my ongoing serial about the adventures of the space-faring Daphne. There are three short reads available on my website. Fourth installment scheduled for Valentine's Day. Hope you enjoy!

from Space-D, a Science Fiction Comedy Horror:

***

The gun in her shoulder holster made her back ache, but no way in hell would Daphne open the hatch and step out onto Planet H311 without it.

Thumbs hitched in her coverall straps, she sneered at the portal. The planet’s red sky roiled with an electrical storm that lit up the plexi. "I might be stuck on hell, but you suckers are the pit’s end of hell’s throwbacks. And you’re going down."

Too bad nobody heard her trash-talk. Then again, she still wasn’t any good at it.

With a shaking hand, she slid the locking pin out of the emergency door’s push bar.

When she heaved it open, the hatch clanged against the outside hull and reverberated down the empty antechamber. The echo reminded Daphne of her status. Alone. Stuck on a terraformed planet settlement gone wrong. This enviro-struct her only shelter in a world teeming with carnivorous worms larger than her daddy’s pet python and meaner than his crazed, outlawed Rottweiler robo-dog.

High Octane by Kathleen Scott

2010-02-09T13:13:00.003-05:00

I have loaded up with a few Science Fiction Romances over the past few days & I'll be sharing more info on those books. First up, today's release, which I just bought and downloaded. Go forth and enjoy!

High Octane by Kathleen Scott

Two hearts are never more than one dimension apart.

A routine fuel run through one of the planet's dimensional portals explodes in violence when Major Geneieve Lockhart's Jumper team is hammered with an unprovoked attack. With her ship disabled and contact to mission control limited, Genie faces her worst nightmare—losing her crew on the blood-soaked floor of a foreign desert.

Help comes from an unlicensed freelance mercenary ship, piloted by a man she never thought she'd see again. Her AWOL ex-lover, Lt. Col. Dante Bowen.

Bowen knows answering Genie's distress call puts his undercover mission to expose a governmental conspiracy at risk. But after faking his death six years ago, he owes her something. Ending up chained in her cargo hold for transport to his own court martial wasn't the thanks-for-the-rescue he expected.

The bridges between them may be in ashes, but their desire burns as hot as ever. Even as Genie wonders what happened to Bowen's code of honor, her body betrays her heart at every turn. The hostile race that attacked her ship, though, is coming back to finish them off. The only way to ensure freedom—on both sides of the dimensional divide—is to put her trust in the one man who betrayed it…

***Warning: Contains action-packed dimensional travel, hot military wartime sex, betrayed lovers and evil, power-hungry bastards***

Available now from Samhain Publishing.

Interviewed by Meankitty

2010-02-08T10:14:00.002-05:00

Today I'm being interviewed by Meankitty, who believes I should make amends for not including a cat in my stories. What do you think?
Come on over and tell me what you think!

Meankitty Wants to Know: Ella Drake

Space-D: Episode Three. A Daphne Adventure

2010-02-08T09:15:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the special Valentine Full Reads for Excerpt Monday. This month, in addition to our typical excerpt week, we're having a week of full stories written by several fabulous EM writers. Visit the Excerpt Monday site! or click on the banner above.

When last first saw Daphne, she'd just gotten the better of a bunch of creepy crawly carnivorous space worms. Then, she helped a few military-types rescue her. Today she faces an inquiry into all that's happened. Take a look at the next installment of Space-D.

The story is on my website: Space-D: Episode Three

Can also be downloaded:
pdf --
mobi/kindle --
lit --
epub

Links to other Valentine Free Reads
Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and
be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

13 of my favorite paranormal/fantasy beings

2010-02-04T08:23:00.005-05:00

My favorite type of fantasy being, since I first started reading, is the elf. I still love those characters from The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien and the Shannara series by Terry Brooks.
Quickly following that is the wizard. Of course Gandalf falls on that list, but so do the many variations of Merlin from the retellings of the Arthur legends that have always captivated my imagination. And of course, Harry Potter and friends.
Also of LoTR fame, I fell in love with Strider aka Aragorn, a Ranger. So much so, that for years I had to have a Ranger character in my sad attempts at playing Dungeons and Dragons. (It was a sad attempt because I rarely actually played. Mostly I planned to play). A ranger is a woodsman and skilled warrior. Brings to mind a Robin Hood sort of character.
Dracula. This is that very specific vampire I'm referring to, and even further, the character as portrayed by Gary Oldman in Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Werewolves. Not the horror types but the alpha hero type like Clay in Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series.
Alien. The original movie was made of awesome.
Predator. Yes, I loved that original movie as well. Perfect predator creature, alien killing machine. Great stuff. Not a fan of Alien vs. Predator franchise, though.

Cyborg, or variants thereof. Kel-Paten, a bio-cybe in Linnea Sinclair's Games of Command is one of my favorite romance heroes.
Dragons. I love dragons. Here's my guilty little secret, I have a shelf full of stuffed little dolls. If I were to ever get a tattoo (not happening, I hate pain), I'd get a dragon one.
Unicorns. If we're talking guilty little secrets, I was one of those little girls with stuffed unicorns, little figurines, and even a t-shirt or two.
Valkyrie. Women warriors. 'Nuff said.
Mermaids/Mermans/Selkies. There's something about these water creatures that has a silkiness to it. Water and skin.
Long living warriors. Warriors of Atlantis, cursed knights. Immortal suffering heroes with tons of delicious faults. Bring 'em on.

blogging at the Raven Happy Hour

2010-02-03T09:46:00.001-05:00

I'm over at the Raven Happy Hour talking about unobtanium today.
What is it?
Come over and find out. Don't forget to leave a comment.
http://ravenhappyhour.com/ravenblog/?p=1556

ebook sale

2010-01-28T19:40:00.003-05:00

Fictionwise has 45% off multiformat books right now. That means The Forbidden Chamber is only $2.48 and my erotic short story, Wolf-Bitten is only $2.19.
Check it out here, at Fictionwise.
In other discount pricing, The Forbidden Chamber is $3.60 for the Amazon Kindle, here.

DarkShip Thieves by Sarah A. Hoyt

2010-01-28T08:57:00.004-05:00

I recently read Darkship Thieves, a new science fiction novel by Sarah A. Hoyt. Here are 13 things I really enjoyed about this read.

This gritty SciFi revolves heavily around a sweet romance.
The heroine, Thena, is a kick-ass, no apologies given, messed up chick.
As the story unfolds, Thena's story is intriguing and gives great insight into why her character is the way she is--which, without giving away spoilers, is because of her relationship with "daddy dearest."
The hero, Kit, is as strong and fragile as Thena. He's been genetically enhanced to be a human with strong feline characteristics. Made me want to curl up with him.
Kit's character is endearing and sweet but in no way takes away from his strength. He's not "alpha" but is portrayed as someone who can take care of himself and those around him. He's wounded from a previous relationship, willing to sacrifice himself, and is generally just a strong, vulnerable hero.
The romance itself is written in a way that has broad appeal. It's closed door as far as intimacy goes, but (and this is a tough sell for me) it doesn't feel lacking that we don't see in the bedroom.
The universe is unique. Spaceships, space stations, colonies, genetic manipulation. It has it all in one neat package.
The futuristic Earth scenes have an Urban Fantasy feel mixed with a bit of skater punk.
The genetic manipulation elements of the story are fairly creepy.
I could actually recommend this to my husband because the romance isn't superfluous and the "kissing" scenes wouldn't offend his sensibilities.
The worldbuilding around mating for Kit's kind is believable in a way that doesn't feel too "fated".
The Space Opera style is sweeping and engrossing.
There are twists and turns that took me on a wonderful ride, not the least of which is a flying broom chase scene.

Sky is the Limit

2010-01-27T11:53:00.002-05:00

Another guest blog today.
I'm at the Samhellion, talking about letting your imagination soar, then bringing it back down to the ground. Come visit.
http://authors.thesamhellion.com/?p=1052

Finding treasure in the junk

2010-01-25T19:30:00.001-05:00

I'm at the Liquid Silver Blog today, talking about ideas that came while cleaning house.
Stop by and leave a comment: Cleaning House.

Happy Thursday

2010-01-21T09:10:00.001-05:00

Today I'm over at The Otherworld Diner for Thursday Thirteen, talking about my experiences with epublishing. Hope you come visit.
http://otherworlddiner.blogspot.com/2010/01/look-inside-cobblestone-press-liquid.html

The Wolf's Mate: a Tale of the Holtlands by R. F. Long

2010-01-19T15:46:00.002-05:00

New release by fellow Samhain author, R.F. Long. Check it out!

ISBN: 1-60504-702-3; 978-1-60504-702-7

"It’s well written, fast paced and filled with interesting and unique characters....The best part of the story is Jeren herself. I liked her in The Wolf’s Sister but in this release, she really grows and shines, as she turns into a confident and determined woman, willing to fight for her man. I’m very curious to see what happens to these two mates with the next and last release." - 4 Nymphs, Mystical Nymph, Literary Nymphs Reviews Only

Their love is a forbidden gift. Keeping it means a fight to the death…

A Tale of the Holtlands, Book 2

After escaping from her Holtlands home and her brother’s madness, Jeren looks forward to a new life with her beloved Shan and his people. She doesn’t expect the Fey’na to readily accept someone of her bloodline, but she’s determined to prove herself worthy. Then the jealous eyes of the beautiful sect mother, Ylandra, fall on Shan—handsome, strong, matchless among warriors—turning Jeren’s fragile new world upside down.

Shan wants nothing more than to be with Jeren, the courageous beauty who’s captured his heart. But their ancient enemy has attacked, and Ylandra cleverly uses an archaic oath to bind him to her service—fulltime. As he sets out on a suicide mission into the heart of enemy territory, he promises Jeren he’ll return—somehow—to claim her as his mate.

Jeren is left alone to make a place for herself among the elite Fey’na warriors, until a Holtlands envoy arrives bearing her ancestors’ sword. This magical artifact calls to the innate magic in her blood and forces her to make a terrible choice. She could lead the battle to free her people…but only if she forsakes Shan.

Warning: contains scary monsters, desperate acts, burning jealousy and the consummation of a timeless love.

Read An Excerpt Online

Buy now from MBaM

Are we warm yet?

2010-01-15T00:01:00.009-05:00

This stop on the Fill Your Reader Blog Tour, I thought I'd provide a friendly neighborhood Public Service Announcement. If you aren't aware of these Marky Mark Calvin Klein ads from the early '90s, then scroll down! Right away!

This ad campaign, for obvious reasons, has stuck in my brain for years. I think I'd call that a job well done. What do you think? I distinctly remember walking down the street, seeing one of these, full body sized on the side of a bus stop. Yummers. I nearly tripped.

Mark Wahlberg has gone on to be a wonderful actor that I enjoy watching, but no matter how far his career goes, I'll still remember him in his undies. (Oh, and that's Kate Moss with him). If you want to see these a little bigger sized, just right click and select "view image".

This concludes the friendly neighborhood PSA.
Please continue on with the blog tour.
Your next stop, wonderful author extraordinaire: Alanna Coca http://alannacoca.com/blog

If you're dropping by and haven't heard about the tour, then get thee to the start of the trail at
Paige Tyler: http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com/ Or, visit the LSB forum for more details.

Prizes on the list include Hearts Afire: December, a two-ebook anthology including Firestorm on E'Terra by Ella Drake and This Fire by Elise Logan and Emily Ryan Davis.

and...

Waiting for the Big One by PG Forte
Flash of Dark by Sara Brooks
Rip Cord by Jeanne St. James
Doll by Juniper Bell
Once Bitten by Trina M. Lee
Huntress Prequel by Trina M. Lee
Bound by Deception by Christa Paige
Preja Vu by Alanna Coca
For a Price by Olivia Brynn
Fireproof by Tina Holland
Destiny's Magick by Rae Morgan
Alitus, Tales of the Chosen by Kayelle Allen
Satisfy Me by Madison Scott
Baptism by Fire by Keira Ramsay
Black Cat Beauty by Savanna Kougar
Intimate Strangers by Gem Sivad
Bait by Annie Nicholas
Breathing Shallow by Stephanie Adkins
The Company of Fools by Annemarie Hartnett
Choice of two books by Lexi Ryan
Safe from the Flames by Sandra Sookoo

13 ways to read a book

2010-01-14T07:33:00.005-05:00

I noticed how many books I have on my Fictionwise shelf this week. This follows quickly behind my effort to keep track of the books I read this year on Goodreads. It got me thinking about ebooks, ebook devices, and just where do I find myself reading print books. Here are 13 ways I've read books in the past.

Under covers. With a flashlight.
On a plane.
On a beach.
At the dinner table (as a kid in a house where I was the only female).
I first started reading ebooks on a regular basis after I had my second baby. It was a life saver to be able to nurse him while reading or sit with him when he went to sleep. With the device, I was able to turn off the lights and still read. I read on a pocketpc, a Dell Axim. (pictured to the right)
I've read on my laptop & PC.
I've read on my Blackberry Curve
My Nokia N810, which is a purely awesome geeky little device. (pictured at the top of the post). This is the device I use most at the moment for multiformat ebooks. If I really have to have an ebook w/ DRM, I'll read it with mobipocket on my Blackberry.
In the library
In the library, cramming for an exam
On a long car trip. This method of reading is long in my past. I did this on family trips as a kid. Now, I get car sick.
In bed.
In the bathtub.

How do you read?

A few updates

2010-01-11T15:32:00.003-05:00

Quick updates:
First, if you haven't see it, I blogged over at the Raven Happy Hour last week about New Worlds, Avatar, and a few SciFi Rom reads featuring relationships between the advanced civilization and the indigenous.

Coming soon...
On Thursday, I'll be blogging about the different ways I've read a book.

On Friday, I'll be participating in the Fill Your Reader Blog Tour. More info here.

Steampunk Workshop

2010-01-08T09:02:00.005-05:00

Steampunk Workshop

January 21-23, 2010 at Romance Divas

Featuring:

Zoe Archer

Meljean Brook

Gail Carriger

Sarah A. Hoyt

Katie MacAlister

Dru Pagliassotti

This workshop will take place at the Romance Diva Forum. All are welcome. To get access to the forum you will need to register.

13 lines from Scent of Cin

2010-01-07T08:47:00.002-05:00

Scent of Cin

She didn’t recognize her own body, rigid in death. The fire red teddy, crumpled on the floor, had been ripped from her cold alabaster skin exposed for the scalpel to cut. On the sterile metal table, her blood dried in a trail down the legs to the drain on the floor.

The last remnants of her life.

Cinnamon watched from the upper corner of the room, feeling raped and defiled by the men spreading her lifeless body before the angel of death himself.

Confusion, loneliness, and fear were not emotions Cinnamon Murphy was accustomed to feeling. And yet, there she was, dead on a slab in the mortuary, awaiting the scalpel with emotions she’d never experienced in life, and wondered why she was hanging around instead of going after that big bright tunnel in the sky. Moments ago, if asked, she’d have said being a hotshot detective should have been a first class, express train to Paradise. Let alone getting the Hellions off the street before they could cause damage, protecting the innocent, righting the wrongs, putting the depraved behind bars.

But if the men in tacky Hawaiian shirts—sans lab coats—with the roaming hands gave any indication, she had more work to do, and unfortunately, she was dead. Unable to grill the bad guys and stuck in hellhole limbo, she watched somebody’s grunts touch her body. Tugs and pulls, pinches and rough fondling gradually muted as if she were numb, under anesthesia, but with an edge of awareness seeping in. The air changed, shifted, when another man stepped into the room.

Available now from Cobblestone Press

New Review for The Forbidden Chamber

2010-01-04T14:50:00.003-05:00

From Romantic Times (RT Book Reviews, Feb 2010)
The Forbidden Chamber: "This interesting story has an unusual shapeshifting hero...full of sexual tension...Exciting and fast moving...dark, with an nice gothic feel."

Buy Now from Samhain Publishing at MBaM

Also available from BooksOnBoard -- B&N -- Amazon -- Mobipocket -- All Romance eBooks -- OmniLit -- Powell's -- Fictionwise -- Diesel eBooks

Raven Shifter Romance

2009-12-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

The raven shifter in Paranormal Romance isn't common. So, why would I pick the raven as a hero for The Forbidden Chamber? For me, the symbolism of the raven in the Gothic novel had much to do with the choice. The dark and moody setting. The dark and moody hero. The dark and moody...
You get the picture.
Here are 13 points to ponder about the raven:

Ravens are familiar in myth and lore in civilizations from the Vikings to the Native Americans. The superstitions around the bird are various and worldwide--from the belief that the raven created the world, to the superstition that the raven foretells death. Lots of mystery and fantasy around this avian.
The Tower of London has its own myth, that the tower/monarchy will fall if the ravens leave their roost there. As symbols of a tower known for executions, it's no surprise that the imagery of ravens in a Gothic tower came about.
That master of the Gothic himself, Edgar Allan Poe penned the famous "The Raven" with the chilling and well known phrase: Quoth the raven, "Nevermore."
Ravens are frequently included on covers of Gothic Romance novels. That hint of gothicness sets a tone and mood immediately.
Ravens have a complex societal structure, their flock is called an unkindness, and they are known to be monogamous and mate for life (well... as far as any animals mate for life.)
Ravens maintain strong familial relationships. They are intelligent and playful. They collect shiny/new objects as juveniles but as they get older, they avoid new things. Sounds sort of human, doesn't it?
A shifter who flies, hunts, mates for life, has a fantasy-like myth/lore background, and is dark and dangerous. Who can resist?

Here are six stories featuring raven shifters:
The Forbidden Chamber by Ella Drake. Available now from Samhain Publishing as an ebook, in print August 2010.
Last of the Ravens by Linda Winstead Jones. Just finished this enjoyable read with the unique concept of a man who can shift into a flock of ravens.
Kiss Me Deadly by Shannon Stacey.
Raven by Alison Paige
“Heart of the Raven” by J.C. Wilder in the two-book anthology Paradox I (ebook) / Sacrifice (print)
Grounded: a Hayle Raven Story by Ella Drake. This is a followup short story for The Forbidden Chamber.
Grounded is a freebie, available at the Samhellion, here.

What comes to mind when you think of ravens? Do you know of any other raven shifter romances?

Free Read: Tin and Paper

2009-12-30T09:43:00.004-05:00

Tin and Paper by Ella Drake

A modern fairytale relived when a war-injured soldier comes home to claim his ballerina.

Get this free short story at the Samhellion.
Or, download the pdf directly.

Tin and Paper is a reimagining of The Steadfast Tin Soldier but with a twist. Let me know what you think!

Space-D: Episode Two. A Daphne Adventure

2009-12-21T00:01:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the special Christmas/New Year Full Reads for Excerpt Monday. This month, in addition to our typical excerpt week, we're having a week of full stories written by several fabulous EM writers. Excerpt Monday site! or click the banner.

When last we saw Daphne, she'd just gotten the better of a bunch of creepy crawly carnivorous space worms. Today it will all change for her. Take a look at the next installment of Space-D.

Space-D: Episode Two. A Daphne Adventure.

Posted on my website here. Available as pdf download.

If you haven't read the first short story, it's available on my website. Also available in a variety of download formats.

Links to other Christmas/New Year Free Reads
Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

A Dragon Caern Christmas

Historical Romance by Emily Bryan (PG13)

A Mistress by Design

Historical by Sabrina Darby (R)

Space-D: Epsiode 2

Science Fiction by Ella Drake (NC 17)

Over and Out

Contemporary Romance by Inez Kelley (R)

Le Nouvel An

Fantasy by Aislinn Kerry(NC17)

A Saint Nicholas Surprise

Fantasy by Aislinn Kerry(NC17)

Getting Personal

Contemporary by Elise Logan (NC)17

Belle’s Christmas Carol

Historical by Charlotte McClain (R)

Boy tested and approved

2009-12-17T00:01:00.001-05:00

Just in time for holiday book shopping, these are books my boys recommend:

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, 1-5) by Rick Riordan
Both boys enjoyed this series from beginning to end. Not only that, it's the only set of books that they've lent out to friends, who all enjoyed them as well. Another mother, whose son is not a reader, was shocked when he read The Lightning Thief and said he "got" it. Highly recommended.
Redwall (Redwall, 1-21 and still going) by Brian Jacques
This series is the favorite of my oldest.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (and the complete series) by J.K. Rowling
This is middle son's favorite.
Magyk (Septimus Heap, 1-5) by Angie Sage
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney
Molly Moon's Incredible Book of Hypnotism by Georgia Byng
The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn Iggulden, Hal Iggulden
The Forests Of Silence (Deltora Quest, 1-8) by Emily Rodda
The Field Guide (The Spiderwick Chronicles, #1) by Holly Black, Tony DiTerlizzi
My Teacher Is an Alien by Bruce Coville
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson

Bonus-Goblin Quest by by Jim C. Hines This and the second in the series will soon make an appearance for the holidays. shhhh. Don't tell my boys.
I have a feeling these books will be favorites soon.

Firestorm on E'Terra Excerpt II

2009-12-14T00:01:00.005-05:00

Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don’t have to be published to participate–just an writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site! or click on the banner above.

***

Chapter One

Master Sergeant Wilson Dex checked the buckle on his chute, adjusted the fit of his pack strap, and twisted his hips to ensure the equipment on his back didn’t jangle. With a slight tap, he verified that his rebreather sat on his chest, ready to fit over his face. All set. In the vast, multi-craft launch bay, he sat next to the hotshot team lining the benches and waited for the go.

“Hey smokejumper, ever taken a helo down from a slapshot on the stratosphere? It’s a wild ride.” The punch on Dex’s shoulder would have told him if the laughter following the challenge had not.

“Chief,” Dex rolled his shoulder to ease out the sting. “I’ve logged enough jump hours to make your entire team look like the babies they are.”

Another punch, in the exact same spot, and a knot started to throb in Dex’s upper arm. Without a flinch, he resisted the urge to cup the forming bruise and didn’t move a muscle.

“Hell, I know, son. Otherwise I wouldn’t have brought a wild card to work with my team.”

Assigned to the mission as a subject matter expert (SME), Dex didn’t point out Chief hadn’t brought him on board. Before the banter could descend into the usual barbs between the loner smokejumper and the cohesive hotshot team of twenty men, the crackle of the speaker reverberated through the open space of the dock bay. “Jump is on hold until turbulent electrical storm passes the landing site.”

The Chief clicked on the comm attached on his shoulder chute strap. “Chief Klein to Captain Varde.”

Dex stilled and tried not to eavesdrop on the civilian fire chief who’d muscled his way onto the bench next to Dex, shifting the team, grunting and grumbling, further down. When Dex noticed he held his breath, waiting on the response over the comm, he pushed the air from his lungs with a long sigh.

While Chief’s hail went unanswered, the burly man raised his brows and grinned at Dex. “Eager for the jump, eh? Can’t control the weather. Well, not on this new terraform, anyway. When the startup colony makes the money, I’m sure they’ll bring in a weather control expert to get them going.”

The leader of this band of firefighters was winding up for another long-winded lecture when his comm clicked.

“Chief,” came the precise, even tone of Captain Varde. Though the voice was nearly asexual, and the woman herself controlled and put-together, Dex’s groin tightened, and to his chagrin, his cock hardened. He shifted on the bench and brought his helmet from hanging on a knee to his lap.

“Ma’am, do we have an estimate on how long we’re delayed?”

Despite trying not to do so, Dex leaned toward the comm on Chief’s shoulder. The Chief raised his brows again, and Dex sat back.

“At least a day, Chief. Disperse your team to regroup again in twenty-four.”
“Aye, aye, skipper.”

The off-click took away her voice, as warm and inviting as the synthesized AI unit that ran this ship’s enviro and café systems. Yet, he’d hardened even more, picturing her still face, neat blonde hair with every strand in place, and perfect lipstick he wanted to muss and smear all along his cock.

Dex shifted on the seat again, bumping the hotshot jumper next to him and elbowing Chief. His temporary superior stood and addressed the group of men.

“Well, you heard the boss. Same drill, same time tomorrow. Get your gear stowed and put in a regular day. Blow off the steam you all built up waiting for word. Dismissed.”

The heat-resistant chromoter strapped to Dex’s wrist showed ten minutes before his reserved zap-ball workout slot. When he’d boarded, he’d received an assigned daily exercise, based on preferences, which he’d not missed, not once, in the two-month intragalactic voyage to E’terra.

With the usual routine disrupted when the StratGlider had achieved orbit and the pending mission aborted, Dex hustled out the door. He hoped his partner wouldn’t miss today’s match.

***

Links to other Excerpt Monday writers

Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

So, to kick it off, your hosts:

Alexia Reed, Urban Fantasy (R)

and

Bria Quinlan, Rom Com (PG13)

Joining us this week:

Danie Ford, Womens Fiction (PG13)
Kaige, Historical Romance (PG13)
Jeannie Lin, Contemporary (PG13)
RF Long, Fantasy Sword and Sorcery (PG13)
Shawntelle Madison, Paranormal Romance (PG13)
Debbie Mumford, Flash Fiction (PG13)
Jo Lynne Valerie, Paranormal Romance (PG 13)

Kendal Ashby, Erotic Contemporary (R)
KB Alan, Erotic Paranormal Romance (R)
Penny Dune, Romantic Suspense (R)
Cate Hart, YA Paranormal (R)
Inez Kelley, Contemporary Romance (R)
Jeannete Murray, RomCom (R)
Christa Page, Regency Paranormal (R)
Michelle Picard, Paranormal
Jeanne St James, Erotic Rom M/M (R)
Danielle Yockman, Historical Romance (R)

Sara BrookesFantasy (NC17)
Emily Ryan Davis, Erotic Contemporary Romance (NC17)
Ella Drake, Erotic SciFi Romance (NC17)
Angeleque Ford, Erotic Contemporary Romance (NC17)
Jamal W Hankins, Dark Fiction/Fantasy (NC17)
Bryl R Tyne, Transgender M/M (NC17)

Holiday Blog Tour Winners

2009-12-12T16:26:00.002-05:00

PRIZE LIST!!

Sharon K
Preja Vu by Alanna Coca
3 paperbacks from Emily and Elise
For a Price by Olivia Brynn
Wolf's Tender by Gem Sivad

Beth
Once Bitten by Trina M. Lee
Bound by Deception by Christa Paige
Rocky Mountain Heat by Vivian Arend
Banged Up by Jeanne St. James
Endangered Hearts by Jolie Cain

Boone Brux
Flesh and Blood by Tina Holland
Between Heaven and Hell by Stephanie Adkins
The Challenge by Serena Shay
Protective Custody by Paige Tyler

Amy S.
Human Nature by Cat Kane
Backlist book by Dee Carney
Semper Fi by Jambrea Jo Jones
Red Lioness Tamed by Savanna Kougar

Shawn F
The Spirit of the Place by PG Forte
Iron by PG Forte
In the Dark by PG Forte
Winner's choice of any book by K.Z. Snow

Foretta
Six Foot Hero by Shea McMaster
TBA by J. Morgan
Hearts Afire December by Emily, Elise and Ella
Signed print copy of Destiny's Magick by Rae Morgan

Caffey
The Omegas by Annie Nicholas
The Extremist by Juniper Bell
Tastes of Pleasure by Shara Lanel

Congrats to all! You will be contacted by the authors for prize delivery. Thank you all so much for joining in our fun! We're already planning another blog tour before christmas, so check back here for details!

Contest Winners

2009-12-12T09:36:00.003-05:00

Congratulations!

I'm happy to announce the winners of the SFR Holiday Blitz. Both winners were chosen by using random numbers from Random.org. First, the winner of the ebook Hearts Afire: December is April. I've emailed you at the address used to enter the contest.
The winner of FALLEN & GUARDIAN by Claire Delacroix is
kenderkg

Please send me your contact information at ella AT elladrake DOT com.

Holiday Blog Tour

2009-12-11T00:01:00.005-05:00

Does he look a little cold to you? And look, he's got a bit of red ribbon. A gift. Just for you.
Okay, so you might not be looking at the tiny little ribbon. But I was intrigued by it. Wonder if he's trying to remember something?

This scrumptious guy is brought to you by me for the Holiday Hottie Tour. To enter the contest, just leave a comment and head on over to the next stop on the tour--Jeanne St. James http://www.jeannestjames.blogspot.com/

If you've landed here on your own and would like to be part of the scavenger hunt, just read the details below.
Good luck and happy holidays!

****

It's the Holiday Hottie Tour! Eye candy for all, and prizes galore. Just look at the list of the scrumptious sugarplums that could appear in a stocking near you:

Preja Vu by Alanna Coca
3 paperbacks from Emily Ryan-Davis and Elise Logan
For a Price by Olivia Brynn
Wolf's Tender by Gem Sivad
Once Bitten by Trina M. Lee
Bound by Deception by Christa Paige
Rocky Mountain Heat by Vivian Arend
Banged Up by Jeanne St. James
Endangered Hearts by Jolie Cain
Flesh and Blood by Tina Holland
Between Heaven and Hell by Stephanie Adkins
The Challenge by Serena Shay
Three Holiday-themed books by PG Forte
Protective Custody by Paige Tyler
Human Nature by Cat Kane
Any backlist book by Dee Carney
Semper Fi ~ Magnus by Jambrea Jo Jones
Red Lioness Tamed by Savanna Kougar
The Spirit of the Place by PG Forte
Iron by PG Forte
In the Dark by PG Forte
Winner's choice of any book by K.Z. Snow
Six Foot Hero by Shea McMaster
Book (TBA) by J. Morgan
Hearts Afire December by Emily Ryan-Davis, Elise Logan and Ella Drake
Intimate Strangers by Gem Sivad
Backlist book by Vivian Arend
Signed print copy of Destiny's Magick by Rae Morgan
The Omegas by Annie Nicholas
The Extremist by Juniper Bell

All you have to do is leave a comment on each blog post. Easy, right? You think that's reason enough to join us? Well, it is... but there's more! Many of the authors above will be gathering for eggnog, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts in a nice cozy chat room during the blog tour. That's right, one chat room filled with so much imagination and romance, we might burn up the website. No need to sign up for anything, just click to enter after the last stop on the tour.

December 11th, 2009 from midnight to midnight for the tour, and chat from 7am to 7pm eastern.

Start the hunt HERE

Participating authors:
Trina M. Lee http://trinamlee.com/blog/
Serena Shay http://serenashay.blogspot.com/
Jolie Cain http://joliecainauthor.blogspot.com/
Tina Holland http://tinaholland.wordpress.com/
Stephanie Adkins http://stephanieadkins.wordpress.com/blog/
Emily and Elise http://www.scorchedsheets.com/blog
Paige Tyler http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com/
Juniper Bell http://authorJuniperBell.blogspot.com
Alanna Coca http://alannacoca.com/blog
Roscoe James at SEx http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/blog/
K.Z. Snow http://kzsnow.blogspot.com.
Ella Drake http://elladrake.blogspot.com/
Jeanne St. James http://www.jeannestjames.blogspot.com/
Annie Nicholas www.annienicholas.blogspot.com
P.G. Forte http://www.rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com/
Shara Lanel http://sharalanel.wordpress.com/
Olivia Brynn http://oliviabrynn.com/blog
Dhympna du Maurier http://culinarycarnivale.blogspot.com/
Morgan Q. O'Reilly http://themorgandiaries.blogspot.com/
Sara Brookes http://www.sarabrookes.net
Savanna Kougar http://kougarkisses.blogspot.com/
Christa Paige http://www.christapaige.com/blog/
Vivian Arend http://vivianarend.com/blog/
Cat Kane http://catkane.blogspot.com/
Dee Carney http://www.deecarney.com/blog/
Jambrea Jo Jones http://jambrea.wordpress.com/
Gem Sivad http://gemsivad.wordpress.com/blog/